Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has broken his silence on why he attended the white wedding ceremony of Ikechukwu 'Cross' Okonkwo, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, in Abuja on Saturday, April 25. In a statement released on Sunday, April 26, Atiku described the groom as his godson and revealed a long-standing family connection between them.
Atiku's Journey from Ibadan to Abuja
Atiku disclosed that he traveled from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where he had attended the National Opposition Summit, to Abuja on the same day to be present at the wedding. The high-profile event was attended by celebrities, dignitaries, and close associates, blending entertainment, glamour, and political undertones.
Reactions from Nigerians
Atiku's explanation has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some Nigerians have questioned his motives, while others have praised his energy and commitment to both political and personal engagements.
- Daniel Mikah Magaji urged Atiku to step down from the 2027 presidential race, saying: "I hope you didn't doze off there, too. Stop listening to those pushing you to contest every presidential election because of your resources. Choose legacy. Step aside and enjoy your old age in peace."
- Ejiofo Umegbogu (JP) criticized Atiku's opposition as only emerging around election time: "Opposition only when the election is around the corner. A committed and constructive opposition is what Nigeria needs... Useless opposition is this type that only emerges during election cycles to grab power."
- Makapolly commended Atiku for his stamina at his age: "You have an amazing work ethic for someone in his late seventies. Sometimes, I wonder if you ever get tired. Thank you for leading the coalition. The future looks bright for every one of us in the opposition."
- Henry Akanno praised Atiku's energy: "From the Ibadan opposition summit straight to the Abuja wedding dance floor? This is the energy Nigeria needs... The Unifier never rests. 2027 loading."
- Cryptic Hybee suggested Atiku's attendance was election-driven: "I love election season. It is the best time to get any politician to do your bidding... If you follow them blindly, you will lose at the end of the day and they will move on with their life and their fortune."
Atiku's Full Statement
Atiku's full statement on the wedding can be read on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In it, he emphasized the personal and family ties that motivated his attendance.
Recent Appointment
In related news, Atiku recently appointed Benjamin Chika Ugwu as the coordinator of Southeast Support Groups, covering all five states in the region: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 23, by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.
