Atiku, Tinubu forgo political differences, shake hands

Atiku, Tinubu forgo political differences, shake hands
... Suggesting politics can be played maturely

Presidential candidates of the two largest political parties in Nigeria, the APC and the PDP, have demonstrated politics could still be played without bitterness.

The two men met perfunctorily at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday at the lounge.

Setting aside what is seen as the political hostility between them, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, frontrunner of the APC and his counterpart in the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar shook hands.

The two political heavyweights are fighting for every available opportunity to occupy the nation’s Presidency.

Across the country their footsoldiers of the two men have been throwing tantrums at one another since the ban on open air campaigns was lifted by INEC.

While Tinubu was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, PDP’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu tagged along with Atiku.

In a video that’s gone viral, both men are seen exchanging friendly banter to the admiration of their supporters and other onlookers.

It was however, an indication that despite weeks of political rivalry and schemes to outpace one another, politics in Nigeria could still be played maturely by its leading political actors.

Atiku is seen in the video replying to a question posed by Tinubu asking him where he was coming from.

The Port Harcourt Telegraph understands that Atiku Abubakar is currently enmeshed in a controversy, surrounding his recent comment that Northerners do not have to vote for a Yoruba or Igbo candidate.

Many have interpreted it to mean that Atiku who is promising to unify Nigeria is hoping to secure victory in 2023 by promoting an ethnic agenda.