Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Abuja, in an encounter that comes as political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections intensifies.
Atiku disclosed the meeting in a statement shared on Wednesday, describing the visit as “warm and deeply appreciated.” However, neither Atiku nor Aisha publicly disclosed the specific purpose of the visit or details of their discussions.
Atiku said the encounter offered an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of people seeking to lead Nigeria, particularly the need to prioritise the welfare and future of citizens.
He also used the occasion to highlight the economic pressures facing households, citing 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,” Atiku said in his statement.
Political significance
The meeting has attracted attention because it comes against the backdrop of renewed political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Aisha Buhari was the First Lady during the administration of her late husband, former President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku, meanwhile, is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform.
Despite the political context, there has been no public statement from either Aisha or Atiku indicating that the visit represented an endorsement, political alliance or change in political affiliation.
Aisha was reportedly accompanied by one of her daughters and other associates during the visit.
For now, the publicly confirmed details of the encounter are limited to the visit itself and Atiku’s comments about the broader economic challenges facing Nigerians.