Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and a recent presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), embarked on a business trip to Europe. Paul Ibe, his spokesperson, confirmed the departure in a statement issued on Wednesday, June 26. Atiku left Nigeria at approximately 11 AM from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Ibe noted that Atiku’s business trip would be brief but did not specify a return date. The statement mentioned, “The former Vice President departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 11 AM on Wednesday, the 26th of June, 2024, for his first port of call.” Atiku was seen off at the airport by family members, friends, and associates.
This trip comes just five days after Atiku visited former President Muhammadu Buhari at his country home in Daura, Katsina State, to pay Sallah homage. While Atiku stated that his visit was a mark of respect for the former president, political analysts suggest it may be part of strategic moves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, who has made his intentions clear about contesting in the 2027 presidential election, has increased his public appearances and criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Despite his loss to Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, continuing to build his visibility and influence.
