UPDATED: Atiku only ran into Yari at Abuja airport

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. Daily Trust had erroneously reported that the two key politicians met at Atiku’s residence in Abuja. But Paul Ibe, spokesman to the former Vice-President, clarified in a statement […]

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.

Daily Trust had erroneously reported that the two key politicians met at Atiku’s residence in Abuja.

But Paul Ibe, spokesman to the former Vice-President, clarified in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that while the duo met, 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.

On his part, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice chairman for the North-east and an ally of Yari, corroborated the account.

He said he personally accompanied Senator Yari to greet Atiku at the airport and that after the exchange of pleasantries, there was no further discussion or meeting between the two leaders.