Former First Lady Aisha Buhari, wife of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has paid an unexpected visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The meeting has drawn attention across Nigeria’s political circles, coming amid increased consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku announced the meeting in a social media post on Thursday, describing the former First Lady’s visit as “warm and deeply appreciated.”
However, neither Atiku nor Aisha publicly disclosed the reason for the meeting, leaving its political implications unclear.
“Today, I was delighted to receive former First Lady, Aisha Buhari. Her visit was warm and deeply appreciated,” Atiku said.
According to Atiku, the meeting also underscored the responsibility of political leaders to prioritise the wellbeing and future of Nigerians.
“Beyond the courtesies of the occasion, it was also a reminder of the urgent responsibility before all who seek a better Nigeria, to put the welfare, dignity and future of our people first,” he said.
The ADC candidate subsequently drew attention to the economic pressures facing Nigerians, including the rising costs of food, transportation, education, healthcare and other essential needs.
“Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and allows every family to live with dignity and hope. That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again,” he said.
Atiku also expressed his commitment to reducing the economic burden on Nigerians and said he would “restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”
Aisha attended the meeting alongside one of her daughters and other associates.
The visit has attracted particular interest because Aisha has previously expressed support for President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Atiku is contesting the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform.
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of ongoing political consultations, coalition discussions and realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
There has been no statement from Aisha indicating that the meeting represents an endorsement of Atiku or a shift in her political position. As of the time of the report, the reason for the visit had not been made public.
