In a move that sent political analysts into a frenzy and social media into overdrive, a high-powered delegation led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
But what some speculated to be a covert political summit was swiftly defused by one of the central figures, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The meeting, held in Kaduna, drew heavyweights from across Nigeria’s political spectrum — including ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and former Minister of Communications Isa Pantami.
Given El-Rufai’s recent and headline-grabbing defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), many assumed this assembly carried deeper political meaning — perhaps even the seeds of a 2027 realignment.
But El-Rufai wasted no time clearing the air.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he pulled back the curtain on the visit’s true nature — or lack thereof.
“We joined over faithful for Jumaat prayers at the Yahaya Road Mosque and had a sumptuous lunch at the Buhari Residence,” El-Rufai wrote.
Read Also: 2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal visit Buhari in Kaduna home
“By the way, our adversaries should not lose any sleep. It is not about politics. It is about unity and brotherhood. And since we are all politically irrelevant, we just prayed and enjoyed lunch with our mentor.”
That tongue-in-cheek jab at political speculators was seen by some as classic El-Rufai — blunt, wry, and calculated.
Still, curiosity lingered about the timing. El-Rufai’s recent departure from the APC, a party he helped shape, has kept his name circulating in political circles. He later revealed he had informed Buhari prior to the move, and that the former president responded with prayers and words of encouragement.
As for Buhari himself, he stood firm in familiar territory, stating he remains loyal to the APC despite the political migrations of some of his close allies.
So, was this just a casual post-prayer lunch or a symbolic gesture ahead of something bigger? For now, the message from El-Rufai is simple: sometimes, a gathering is just that — no plotting, no pact, just brotherhood… and good food.
