KADUNA, Nigeria – A delegation of prominent Nigerian politicians led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited ex-President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence on Friday, April 11, 2025, marking a rare convergence of political figures from across party lines.
The high-profile visit, which included former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and several other ex-officials, was described by Atiku as an opportunity for post-Sallah camaraderie and lighthearted exchange.
In a post on his verified X account, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate shared details of the meeting, noting Buhari’s characteristic humor.
“It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up to the extent that my ribs were hurting with his peculiar humour,” Atiku wrote.
The former vice president explained that he had delayed the visit to fulfill traditional obligations as Waziri Adamawa during the Eid celebrations in his home state.
The gathering featured an eclectic mix of political heavyweights including former Communications Minister Isa Pantami, ex-Governors Achike Udenwa (Imo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), and Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa).
The composition of the delegation—spanning members of both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition PDP—has sparked speculation about potential political realignments, though attendees maintained the visit was purely social.
Political analysts note the meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened activity among Nigeria’s political elite, with several figures testing the waters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Buhari, who has maintained a low profile since leaving office in May 2023, has recently received a stream of visitors ranging from state governors to traditional rulers at his Daura and Kaduna residences.
Neither Atiku nor other attendees commented on whether substantive political matters were discussed during the visit.
However, the public display of cordiality between former rivals—particularly Atiku and El-Rufai, who clashed repeatedly during the 2023 campaigns—has fueled discussion about possible behind-the-scenes negotiations in Nigeria’s ever-evolving political landscape.
See photos from the visit below:
