Aisha Buhari Visits Atiku in Abuja as Former VP Highlights Cost-of-Living Concerns

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has visited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja, in an encounter that comes amid heightened political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, disclosed the visit in a statement shared on Wednesday, describing the meeting as “warm and deeply appreciated.” Reports said Aisha was accompanied by one of her daughters and some associates.

The purpose of the visit was not disclosed by either Aisha or Atiku.

However, Atiku used the occasion to speak about the economic pressures facing Nigerian households, pointing to the rising costs of food, transportation, education, healthcare and other basic necessities.

He said the encounter was a reminder of the responsibility of those seeking a better Nigeria to prioritise the welfare, dignity and future of citizens.

“Across our country, families are being stretched by the rising cost of food, transport, education, healthcare and other basic necessities,” Atiku said.

He added that Nigerians deserve an economy that rewards hard work, restores opportunity and enables families to live with dignity and hope.

“That is the Nigeria we must build together, a country that works for its people again,” he said.

Atiku concluded his message with his call to “ease the burden, restore hope and Make Nigeria Affordable Again.”

The meeting has attracted attention because of the political backgrounds of both figures and its timing ahead of the 2027 election. Atiku is seeking the presidency under the ADC, while Aisha is the widow of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The encounter is also not their first recent meeting. Atiku hosted Aisha, her daughter Hanan and other members of the Buhari family in Saudi Arabia during the 2026 Umrah pilgrimage.

Neither party has indicated that the latest meeting resulted in any political agreement or arrangement. Reports have therefore described the purpose of the visit as undisclosed while noting that it occurred against the backdrop of increasing political consultations and activities ahead of 2027.