Former Nigerian Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has denied reports of a recent closed-door meeting with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). A statement issued by Abubakar’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mati Ali, described a viral photograph of the two leaders as “falsely suggestive” of a recent meeting.
The photograph, which has been circulating on social media, appears to show Abubakar and Kwankwaso together at the VIP Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. However, according to the statement, the image is outdated, dating back to February 18, 2023, when the two individuals coincidentally met at the airport.
The statement clarified that Abubakar has been abroad for the past month and has not returned to Nigeria, making it impossible for him to have met with Kwankwaso recently. The former minister’s team advised the public to disregard the post and be cautious of outdated content being recirculated to create a false narrative.
The denial comes amidst ongoing political developments in Nigeria, where alliances and meetings between key figures are closely watched. The New Nigeria People’s Party, led by Kwankwaso, is one of the prominent parties in the country’s political landscape. As the political scene continues to evolve, accurate information and context are essential for understanding the dynamics at play.
In this case, the clarification from Abubakar’s team highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially on social media platforms where misinformation can spread quickly. By setting the record straight, the former minister’s team aims to prevent the spread of false information and maintain transparency in the public discourse.
