“Some Have Resorted to Insults Because I Visited Buhari – Is It Sacrilegious?” – Atiku

Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to the criticism trailing his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.

Taking to his official Facebook page, Atiku addressed the backlash from members of his party and political watchers, including PDP stalwart Bode George, who questioned the intent behind the meeting.

Atiku dismissed the outrage, describing it as misplaced. He defended his decision, stating that his visit to Buhari was neither unusual nor unprecedented, and that political engagement across party lines is a necessary part of democracy.

“Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari. Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape,” he wrote.

He went on to reference the political climate during the 2013 opposition merger, pointing out that similar outreach efforts — including visits to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida — were standard practice among political leaders then.

“During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna?”

Atiku concluded his statement by appealing to democratic values, calling for tolerance and respect for political dialogue across affiliations.

“If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines,” he added.

His remarks come amid speculations about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.