Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, refutes claims made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, stating that Atiku had indeed offered condolences following the January 16 explosion in Ibadan.
Makinde had criticized Atiku for not reaching out to the government and people of Oyo State after the tragic incident, during a condolence visit by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
In response, Ibe clarified that Atiku had expressed sympathy less than 24 hours after the explosion, contrary to Makinde’s remarks. He suggested that perhaps the governor had not been fully informed of Atiku’s response.
The dispute adds to the political tension between Atiku and Makinde, with Atiku blaming his defeat in the 2023 presidential election on Makinde and other PDP governors’ support for President Bola Tinubu.
Meanwhile, during his visit, Peter Obi extended condolences to the bereaved families and commended the government’s prompt response. He also advocated for a reduction in the cost of governance at the federal level to address the country’s economic challenges.
