AbdulAziz Yari, the director-general of President Bola Tinubu's campaign organisation, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar crossed paths in Abuja on Tuesday at the funeral of Nafi'u Baba Ahmed. The encounter, which took place during the Janaza (Islamic funeral prayer), has drawn significant attention given the political rivalry between the two camps ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political Rivals Share a Somber Occasion
Both men were among the prominent political figures who gathered to pay their last respects to the late Nafi'u Baba Ahmed in Abuja. The funeral brought together a range of notable personalities, making Tuesday's gathering one of the more significant political intersections in the Nigerian capital in recent weeks.
Yari, who leads the campaign machinery for President Tinubu, and Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, were seen at the same venue. While no formal discussions between the two have been reported beyond their presence at the funeral, political observers have noted the symbolic nature of the meeting.
Atiku's 2027 Presidential Bid
Atiku was ratified as the ADC's presidential candidate on May 29, 2026, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant challengers President Tinubu will face in the next election cycle. His presence at the funeral alongside Yari has sparked interest, though no official statements have been made regarding any exchange between the two.
The meeting comes amid heightened political activity as the 2027 elections approach. Atiku has positioned himself as a key rival to Tinubu, and the ADC campaign has been active in criticising the current administration's policies.
Recent Tensions Between the Camps
Legit.ng earlier reported that Atiku called on President Tinubu to publish full details of NNPC's ₦11.2 trillion in other receivables from the Federation, including pipeline security spending. The former vice president named Tantita and the Chagoury family as contractors he said have ties to Tinubu's re-election effort, raising conflict of interest concerns.
The statement, issued by the ADC Presidential Campaign Council on October 4, 2026, also challenged Tinubu over his remarks on returning from a four-week stay in Europe. These developments highlight the ongoing political tensions as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
The funeral gathering in Abuja served as a rare moment where political rivals shared a space, underscoring the interconnected nature of Nigeria's political elite even amid intense electoral competition.
