How Atiku single-handedly bought PDP’s Wadata plaza  – Aide

Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has disclosed that his principal personally financed the acquisition of Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Ibe made the revelation on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, where he addressed lingering questions about Atiku’s wealth and political plans.

“Atiku single-handedly bought the Wadata Plaza for the PDP. That was how wealthy he was before entering government,” Ibe said.

He insisted that the former vice president’s fortune was legitimate, stressing, “There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, and his money was legitimate.”

The media adviser also explained why Atiku has yet to formally declare his intention for the 2027 presidential race. According to him, Atiku is currently focused on strengthening his base within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

“Atiku Abubakar will not fall for that bait. The real work now is putting structures in place so that when the tsunami begins, the platform will be ready to carry everyone who will align and realign,” he said.

Ibe clarified that Atiku’s recent interview with BBC Hausa was misinterpreted, noting that the former vice president never said he would step aside for a younger aspirant.

On the contentious issue of zoning, Ibe maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about good leadership than the region of origin of the next president.

“The internal polls we have done show Nigerians don’t care where the next president comes from. They are more concerned with credible leadership. People are struggling to survive. They want someone with the right skills, not tribe or tongue,” he explained.

He further dismissed suggestions that Atiku’s wealth was acquired during public service, pointing out that the PDP stalwart had been a billionaire before 1999.

Ibe also took aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of implementing policies that favour a select few while ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt.

“Average Nigerians cannot be asked to tighten their belts while leaders live in affluence and steal the country blind. These policies are only working for the urban bandits, not the rest of Nigerians,” he said.

Describing Atiku as one of the country’s most consistent politicians, Ibe noted that he has won most party primaries he contested, except in 2014 when Muhammadu Buhari defeated him.

“As a democrat, Atiku’s policy is the more the merrier. He will never block anyone who feels they have something to offer. Let everyone go to the field and test their popularity,” Ibe added.

Atiku, who is currently aligned with the ADC coalition alongside former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, is yet to make an official announcement about his 2027 ambition.