The former Vice-President, with Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State, who President Olusegun Obasanjo described as the “facilitator” held a closed door meeting with the former President which lasted about two hours.

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) in its reaction expressed confidence that any possible return of the former Vice-President would not adversely affect the opposition in the country.
Similarly, former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige said though he has spoken with Atiku, the Action Congress Presidential candidate in the 2007 elections, he said they (AC members) are unshaken.

He said, “for us in AC, there is no signal at all. The visit by our flagbearer is a courtesy visit and as far as we are concerned, a courtesy visit is a personal visit.

He (Atiku) has a right to visit anybody he wants to visit. He’s at liberty to visit anybody he wants and he’s also at liberty to have any private discussion he wants. We as AC members are not ruffled at all by the visit.”

The former governor, however, maintained that “we all know that nothing good will come out from Obasanjo. We’re unruffled and unimpressed. Atiku remains a committed AC man because I have since discussed with him after the meeting. There should be no cause for alarm for all AC members.”

However, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, said the development is a non-issue, adding that visit has no impact on the relationship between the People's Democratic Party and the Action Congress, adding that it was "a visit from a friend to a friend".

Also commenting on the development, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba said “I know nothing about it and nobody has told me anything up till this moment I’m speaking with you. I heard it in the news and read it in the papers. But pictures are not lying.”

In the same vein, gubernatorial candidate of the AC in Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi said,“I am sure you read Alhaji Lai Mohammed. He is the spokesperson of AC. His view is my view.  I am sure the former Vice-President will brief the party on it.”

Contacted, former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu said he is in the US for Obama’s inauguration. He said he read it on the internet and will speak on his return.

Also asked to comment on the development, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George said “no comment.”

We’re not moved — CNPP

The CNPP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechuku, after an emergency meeting called in Abuja said:   “CNPP after the emergency meeting wishes to state as follows: that Alhaji Abubakar Atiku has the inalienable right to defect to the PDP if he so desires.

“Secondly, whereas we acknowledge the legal battles Alhaji Atiku waged to deepen our democracy; however  we note that it was an offshoot of personal survival  and reaction to Chief Obasanjo who instead of handing over to him, wanted 3rd Term.

“Therefore his movement to the PDP has little or no impact, but will rather facilitate the formation of granite coalition by the opposition which is in progress.

“Thirdly, that we should not forget in a hurry that Alhaji Atiku in league with Chief Obasanjo used their offices, soon after assumption of office in 1999, to sow the ignoble seed of one party state that demolished the internal democracy in PDP, ANPP, AD, APGA etc and indeed makes mockery of our democracy.

“We cannot forget how both denied late Chief S.B.Awoniyi the level playing field to lead the PDP, thus imposing Chief B Gemade as chairman of PDP and how they manipulated chairmen of other political parties.

“Fourthly, we recall how both Alhaji Atiku and Chief Obasanjo eroded the doctrine of separation of powers by manipulating the legislature, hence enthroning the rubber stamp culture and lack of checks and balances that bedevil our political landscape at all levels today.

“Consequently, we wish to submit that Nigerian democracy will only prosper when birds of same feathers flock together,” the CNPP declared.

We’re not ruffled — Ngige

"For us in AC, there is signal at all. The reason our flagbearer said it is a courtesy visit and as far as we are concerned, a courtesy visit is a personal visit. He (Atiku) has a right to visit anybody he wants to visit. He’s at liberty to visit anybody he wants and he’s also at liberty to have any private discussion he wants. We as AC members are not ruffled at all by the visit."

It’s a meeting of two adults —  Lai Mohammed

"As far as we’re concerned in our party, it’s a meeting of two adults and two former colleagues. Both of them have told us that it has nothing to do towards 2011. Obasanjo has said that Atiku is not his political associate because he’s still in AC and we tend to assume to agree that he’s still in AC. Whatever they went to discuss, has no bearing at all on whether he’s going to move to PDP or not. When we get to that bridge, we will know how to cross it."

He may have good reasons — Chief Tom Ikimi

"We were together at Chief Bisi Akande’s 70th birthday. Atiku never hinted and if he did, I’m in a position to know. He must have good reasons for doing so. When he comes to the party, he will explain the circumstances behind the meeting."

It’s commendable — Senator Zwingina

"Well, the first thing you should know is that in politics, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interest.

Secondly, the political culture of Nigeria can develop and progress if we learn to tolerate each other and know that differences exists among all groups and individuals, but fight differences should not be allowed to lead to bitterness and no difference should prevent us from talking to each other.

So, I commend the reconciliation between former Vice-president Abubakar Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and I believe all other political leaders should emulate them."

AC can’t be party to it —  Dele Ajomale

"It’s difficult to say what happened between both of them but we have not been briefed by anyone in the party. As I speak with you, even the AC at the national level does not know about it. Atiku, a week ago at Chief Bisi Akande’s 70th birthday expressly stated that he remains in the AC and that he will still be with them.

Their meeting may not be political, remember Obasanjo was his former boss. An explanation on the visit will be given and we’ll give him the opportunity to come and brief the party accordingly. The AC cannot be a party to this kind of a meeting."

It’s a welcome devt — Sir Tunde Olowu

"It is a meeting for development. Whatever happens between them, both were President and Vice President respectively for a period in this country. There is no permanent enemies, they may have differences."

Ezuiche Ubani, Reps member

“That is how politics should be. It shouldn’t be a thing of do-or-die.

“If the man had gone to see his former boss to say, ‘yes, we had our disagreement. But now we can carry on with our lives’, I don’t see anything wrong with that. Politics is not war by another means. But some of us take it as that.

Some people think that if you are in a political disagreement with someone, then you are at war with him; You must wreck his business; You must destroy his family. I disagree with that. They have used this to supplant the culture of debate.  So his visit to his former boss is good."

Ms Binta Masi Garba, Reps member

“The Atiku and Obasanjo reconciliation is a good omen. It is an action in the right dimension. It’s like two strong Nigerians; the former first man and the second man had some political differences but later thought that they had to drop or sheathe their swords to embrace peace once and for all.

“Nigerians are supposed to be looking up to them as role models and most of what had happened was based on their political differences. We are happy that they have decided to come together for the good of the country” she said.