Atiku Abubakar is a well-known Nigerian politician, businessman, and philanthropist. He has been one of the most controversial figures in Nigerian politics, having served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency of Nigeria in several elections. In this article, we will explore seven things about Atiku Abubakar that may surprise you.
1. Atiku Abubakar was once accused of money laundering in the United States
In 2004, Atiku Abubakar was accused of money laundering in the United States. The allegation was that he transferred over $40 million to bank accounts controlled by his wife, Jennifer Douglas. Atiku denied the allegations, claiming that the funds were legitimate and that the US government was targeting him because of his political ambitions. The allegations were eventually dropped in 2009, after the US government chose not to press charges against him.
2. Atiku Abubakar is one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria
Atiku is known to be one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria, with a net worth estimated to be over $1.4 billion. He made his fortune through his business ventures, which include Intels Nigeria Ltd, a logistics company for the oil and gas industry, Adama Beverages, a Nigerian beverage manufacturing company, and Faro Water, a bottled water production company.
3. Atiku Abubakar was once a musician
Another surprising fact about Atiku Abubakar is that he is a talented musician. He released an album in the 1980s titled “SOS,” which stands for “Save Our Soul.” The album was produced by a popular Nigerian musician, King Sunny Ade. Atiku is said to have had a keen interest in music as a young man, and he even played the guitar and starred in music videos.
4. Atiku Abubakar is a polygamist
Atiku Abubakar is a polygamist. He has married four wives and has 28 children, many of whom are successful in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment. His eldest son, Adamu Atiku Abubakar, is a businessman and farmer, while his daughter, Fatima Atiku Abubakar, runs her own fashion house.
5. Atiku Abubakar once held Nigerian record for the longest time spent on the presidential campaign trail
Atiku Abubakar is no stranger to the presidential campaign trail. In the 2007 presidential campaign, he traveled over 92,000 kilometers across Nigeria, holding rallies, meeting with local leaders, and discussing his vision for Nigeria. Atiku set a Nigerian record for the longest time spent on the campaign trail by any presidential candidate, spending 71 days on the road.
6. Atiku Abubakar has a degree in Education from American University, Washington D.C.
Atiku Abubakar obtained a degree in Education from American University in Washington D.C. in 1983. This is a little-known fact about Atiku, given his business and political career. His degree in Education was his foundation for his teaching career before joining politics.
7. Atiku Abubakar is a founding member of the Silverbird Group
The Silverbird Group is a Nigerian entertainment company founded by Ben Bruce, another prominent Nigerian politician, and media mogul. Atiku Abubakar is a founding member of the group, which owns one of Nigeria’s leading radio and television networks, Silverbird Television (STV). STV is known for its progressive programming, featuring music, news, and entertainment, as well as providing a platform for political leaders to interact with the public.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar is a multi-talented Nigerian politician, businessman, philanthropist, and musician. He has accomplished a lot in his life, from his business ventures to his political career to his family. Whether he is loved or hated by Nigerians, Atiku remains a prominent and influential figure in Nigerian politics and society.