Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid a post-Sallah courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna State.
Atiku shared the news on Friday, April 11, 2025, through his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. He noted that, as the Waziri of Adamawa, it was his responsibility to be present in his home state during the Sallah celebrations and represent the Lamido of Adamawa in several ceremonial roles.
During the visit, Atiku was accompanied by prominent figures including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Pantami, and other political allies.
Reflecting on the meeting, Atiku said he had an enjoyable time with the former president, describing Buhari’s signature humor as so entertaining that it left him with sore ribs from laughter.
“At the Sallah, I fulfilled my duties in Adamawa, representing our traditional leadership. Today, I had the privilege of visiting President Muhammadu Buhari. As always, his unique sense of humor had me in stitches,” he posted.
Though initially perceived as a mere courtesy call, the visit has stirred political speculation, particularly regarding its potential implications for the future of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources suggest that some governors, concerned about a wave of defections within the APC—especially among members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc—may have sought Buhari’s intervention to stabilize the party.
The CPC, a major faction that helped form the APC, continues to wield significant influence, with Buhari still seen as its unifying figure. There are growing fears that if the bloc exits, it could severely weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports indicate that several ex-ministers from Buhari’s administration are already in talks to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Sources warn that Buhari’s immense support base in northern Nigeria could become a serious challenge for the APC if he aligns with defectors from his CPC camp.