What Atiku Abubakar, Yari had at Abuja Airport was chance encounter — Aide
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, did not hold a private meeting with former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, contrary to reports circulating in parts of the media.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday February 3, 2026 by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku merely had a chance encounter with Yari at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The statement explained that Atiku departed Abuja on Monday, February 2, for a private journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to observe the lesser hajj (Umrah), accompanied by family members and associates.
While waiting at the airport’s departure lounge, Atiku reportedly ran into Senator Yari, and both men exchanged greetings and pleasantries.
The media office described claims that Atiku hosted Yari at his residence in Abuja for a private meeting as false and misleading, stressing that no such meeting took place.
The clarification was issued to address what the aide described as inaccurate reports regarding the former Vice President’s movements and interactions.
