Former Nigeria vice-president Atiku Abubakar on Friday left Lagos for an unnamed European country, with his media aide issuing a statement that he was on a business trip and not for medicals as is being speculated.
Atiku travelled alongside his running mate and Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.
His Media Adviser, Paul Ibe in a statement on Friday afternoon, said the trip was a “continuation of an earlier business trip of three weeks ago,” and not for medicals as is being insinuated.
He adds: “He (Atiku) will be travelling immediately after his meeting on Friday in Lagos, with the leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
“At the conclusion of his European trip, the former vice president will also use the opportunity to visit his family in Dubai. His trip is for business and family purposes and has nothing to do with medicals as is being insinuated in some quarters.”
The development comes about three weeks after Abubakar met with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, in London.
The London meeting also had Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia – who are Wike’s allies – in attendance.
It was convened by Atiku to resolve the crisis in the party.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, had also travelled to Europe on Wednesday.
Ayu is expected back in the country by the end of the month.
It is speculated that Atiku would meet with Ayu in Europe amid calls for the latter’s resignation.
On Wednesday, Atiku had said the only way Ayu could be removed as National Chairman was through the amendment of the party’s constitution.
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