Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, others hold close door meeting with Buhari in Kaduna

Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, Others Pay Post-Sallah Visit to Former President Buhari

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with several prominent Nigerian political figures, held a closed-door meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna on Friday.

Among those present at the meeting were former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), among others.

While the full details of the discussion were not disclosed to the media, Atiku Abubakar clarified in a brief interview that the visit was primarily to extend post-Sallah greetings and pay courtesy to the former president.

“We came here on a courtesy and Sallah greetings visit to President Muhammadu Buhari,” Atiku stated.

When asked about the political significance of the visit, particularly given the presence of chieftains from different political parties, Atiku said, “I have the right to be friends with anyone, whether political or non-political. They are all my friends.”

On speculations that the gathering might be tied to plans for a political coalition, the former Vice President acknowledged that discussions around forming a stronger opposition are ongoing, but insisted that it was not the purpose of the visit.

“There is a plan for major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but that is not part of this visit,” he clarified.

Earlier, Atiku had taken to his verified social media accounts to share reflections on the visit, writing:

“As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations and represented the Lamido of Fombina in various activities. Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015–2023). It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up—with his peculiar humour, my ribs are still hurting.”

Also addressing journalists, former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, confirmed his reason for joining the visit:

“We are here to pay a Sallah visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari because I was not around during the Sallah period.”