The clarification followed media reports suggesting that Atiku hosted Yari, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a closed-door meeting ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday via X, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the reports as false, explaining that both political figures merely had a brief, chance encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to Ibe, Atiku departed Nigeria on Monday, February 2, for the lesser hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by family members and associates.

“While waiting at the departure lounge of the airport, the former Vice President had a chance encounter with the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, during which the duo greeted and exchanged pleasantries,” Ibe said.

He stressed that there was no private meeting between the two politicians at Atiku’s residence and urged the public to disregard the reports circulating in sections of the media.