Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted media reports alleging that he held a private meeting with former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, at his Abuja residence.
He clarified that his interaction with Yari was merely an incidental encounter at the airport and not a scheduled or private meeting at his home.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, and made available to newsmen, it was explained that both men met briefly on Monday at the airport departure lounge.
The encounter occurred shortly before Atiku departed Nigeria on a private trip to Saudi Arabia to observe the lesser hajj, during which they only exchanged greetings.
The statement warned against what it described as misleading reports circulating in some media platforms suggesting that a private meeting took place in Abuja.
“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.
“It has, therefore, become necessary to disclaim the false information being circulated in a section of the media that Atiku had a private meeting with Yari, at his residence in Abuja,” the statement read.
