President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key ally of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The meeting has sparked fresh speculations about a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as Jibrin gave a cryptic response when asked about a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I do not think it is time for that conversation, but everything is open, and it’s a possibility,” Jibrin told State House correspondents.
“The most important thing is stability of the country; the unity of the country.”
Jibrin: “It’s not surprising to see me here”
Hon. Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano State and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation in the 8th Assembly, emphasized his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu and noted Tinubu’s historical rapport with Senator Kwankwaso.
“I came to see Mr. President, and, of course, the long-term friendship that the President has also enjoyed with the national leader of the NNPP, Rabbiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he said.
“So I do not think it’s anything surprising to see me here… and also discuss some national issues that I believe are in the interest of the people of this country.”
Kwankwaso’s recent criticism looms in the background
The meeting comes days after Kwankwaso accused the Tinubu administration of favouring the southern region in its execution of infrastructure projects. While Jibrin declined to confirm whether he was on a peace mission, he downplayed any perceived rift.
“Well, both of them are very experienced politicians. The President is a first-class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician… I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.”
He added that political disagreements should not be overblown and that his presence at the Villa should not raise alarms.
“Everyone is entitled to his opinion,” says Jibrin
Speaking more broadly, Jibrin called for balanced assessments of the administration’s performance, especially amid rising criticism over reforms and perceived regional imbalance.
“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him.
You can decide to see the cup half full, or you look at the cup half empty.”“Everyone is entitled to his opinion. And it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse, and sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”
Though Jibrin was cautious with his words, political observers view his visit as potentially laying the groundwork for defections, alliances, or reconciliations ahead of the 2027 polls.
As intra-party tensions simmer and cross-party conversations heat up, the Tinubu-Kwankwaso relationship—and by extension, their allies—could shape the next phase of Nigeria’s political terrain.
