Atiku Visits Obasanjo, Denies 2027 Election Talks, Calls It 'Courtesy Visit'

Atiku Visits Obasanjo, Dismisses 2027 Election Speculations

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied that his recent visit to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta was politically motivated, insisting it was merely a courtesy call.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arrived at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at exactly 12:36 p.m. on Monday, where he held a closed-door meeting with his former boss.

The meeting, which lasted over two hours, was attended by prominent political figures, including former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central. Upon arrival, they were received by Obasanjo’s longtime associate, Oyewole Fasawe.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Atiku dismissed speculations that his visit was related to the 2027 presidential election.

“I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics. I was not in Abeokuta to see Obasanjo because of 2027,” he stated. “It is just a courtesy visit. I’m not going to talk about 2027 or politics.”

His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, had earlier confirmed the meeting but did not disclose any specific details regarding their discussion.

Atiku previously served as vice president under Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2007. Over the past few months, he has been actively engaging opposition leaders in discussions aimed at forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.

In late 2024, Atiku also held a private meeting with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at his Adamawa residence, fueling speculation about a possible political alliance ahead of 2027.