Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hosted former First Lady Aisha Buhari at his residence, using the occasion to highlight the worsening cost of living affecting millions of Nigerian families. The visit, which took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, was announced by Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
Atiku described Aisha Buhari's visit as "warm and deeply appreciated," adding that it reinforced his sense of responsibility towards building a better Nigeria. The former First Lady was accompanied by her daughter Hanan and other members of the Buhari family during the visit.
Visit Follows February Meeting in Saudi Arabia
This latest meeting comes after Atiku and Aisha Buhari, wife of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, met in Saudi Arabia in February 2026. According to the opposition leader, both families were in Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser hajj (Umrah). The recent visit appears to have strengthened the relationship between the two political figures.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, welcomed the Buhari family members warmly. Photos from the visit were shared on his social media platforms, showing the former vice president receiving his guests.
Atiku Addresses Rising Cost of Living
During the visit, Atiku pointed to the hardship that households across Nigeria are currently facing, saying the situation demands urgent attention from those in and seeking public office. "Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities," Atiku said.
He argued that the welfare, dignity and future of ordinary Nigerians must remain central to any serious political agenda at this time. Atiku said Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work and creates real opportunities, not one that leaves families struggling to meet basic needs.
"That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again," he added.
Atiku Calls for Action to 'Make Nigeria Affordable Again'
Beyond diagnosing the problem, Atiku issued a clear call for concrete steps to relieve the pressure on Nigerian households and revive public confidence in the country's direction. His message was direct: "We must ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again."
Atiku was ratified as the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections on May 29, 2026, following his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His recent statements and meetings appear aimed at building a coalition of support ahead of the elections.
In a related development, Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed a Political Intelligence Group projection that put President Bola Tinubu ahead in the 2027 presidential race. In a statement, Atiku's camp questioned the credibility and transparency of the forecast, signaling the former vice president's continued focus on challenging the current administration.
