PDP denies Atiku is in London for health reasons saying he came for a media parley

NIGERIA'S main opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied media reports that its presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been flown to London in response to recent health challenges.

Over the weekend, former vice president Alhaji Abubakar flew into the UK and it had been suggested that he came for medical reasons. However, debunking this, the PDP said the former vice president came to the UK at the invitation of the British government who wanted him to participate in a media event relating to next month's elections.

In February, Nigerians go to the polls to elect a new president, state governors, members of the National Assembly and the members of the 36 state houses of assemblies. Among the major frontrunners in the presidential elections are Alhaji Abubakar of the PDP, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the AL Progressives Congress, Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party.

Stating that Alhaji Abubakar came to the UK for a media event just like other candidates have, PDP spokesman Senator Dino Melaye, said any reports to the contrary were just mischievous. He categorically denied reports that Alhaji Abubakar was sick and flown from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to London for treatment.

Senator Melaye added: “Disregard the lies of unrepentant liars. Atiku is 100% fit and in super form health wise. The British government invited the leading presidential candidate, Abubakar, just like they had invited Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi earlier.”