Nigeria: Atiku Only Ran Into Yari At Abuja Airport, Says Aide

3 February 2026
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By Baba Martins

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not hold any private meeting with a former governor of Zamfara State and senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, in Abuja.

Paul Ibe, spokesman to the former Vice-President, clarified this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ibe clarified that while the two men meet, it was neither planned nor formal.

He said the encounter was incidental and took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while Atiku was en route to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.

"On Monday, 2nd February, former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar embarked on a private journey for the lesser hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"Atiku was accompanied by associates and family members to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

"While waiting at the departure lounge of the airport, the former Vice President had a chance encounter with the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari during which the duo greeted and exchanged pleasantries," he said.

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