Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been divorced from his wife Jennifer, she confirmed on Tuesday.
In a statement, Jennifer explained that “the core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom to look after my children” among other “long-standing issues”.
“I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them.
“Furthermore, in light of COVID-19 times, choosing to stay with the children was non-negotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care,” she said.
Jennifer quelled speculations that she divorced the former presidential candidate because he took a new wife.
According to Jennifer, some of those who tried to save the marriage include Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya, and Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. She thanked them for their efforts.
The ex-wife also claimed that Atiku requested to collect an asset previously given to her, adding that the property in Dubai is a subject of litigation.
She said, “During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house (matrimonial home in Asokoro) even after I showed him the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift.
“’When I asked him, ‘where will I and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?’ He told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay, and subsequently, I moved out.”
Atiku has yet to make any public statement on the issue as of press time.