The 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, departed Abuja for Europe on Wednesday. The former Vice President has faced significant criticism for frequently leaving Nigeria soon after each election. Unlike the post-2015 and 2019 elections, Atiku remained in the country for several months following the 2023 election. During this period, he participated in party activities and consultations, which many believe are preparations for the 2027 elections.
Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, stated on Wednesday that the former Vice President had gone on a brief business trip abroad, accompanied by family members, friends, and associates. The statement read, in part: “Nigeria’s leading opposition figure and former presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has embarked on a business trip to Europe. The former Vice President departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, for his first destination. He was accompanied to the airport by family members, friends, and associates. This morning, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar proceeded on a short foreign business trip. He will be back in the country soon.”