Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, held a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday at the President’s official residence in Abuja.
The meeting, which was not open to the media, comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. It was Kwankwaso’s second known visit to Aso Rock since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Earlier in the day, Kwankwaso had appeared at the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025, hosted at the State House Conference Centre, before proceeding to meet the President behind closed doors.
Renewed Political Contact
Kwankwaso and Tinubu last met publicly on June 9, 2023, shortly after the President’s inauguration. At the time, Kwankwaso revealed to reporters that they discussed “politics and governance,” hinting at possible collaboration without providing specifics.
Monday’s visit, though shrouded in secrecy, has rekindled speculation about ongoing political negotiations, especially as opposition parties rally to form a broad-based coalition to challenge the APC in the next election cycle.
2027 Political Undercurrents
The meeting comes just weeks after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced a new coalition designed to unify opposition forces ahead of 2027. While Kwankwaso’s NNPP has not formally joined the alliance, sources say he remains a key power-broker in northern Nigeria and is being actively courted.
Kwankwaso, 67, is the founder of the “Kwankwasiyya” political movement and a veteran statesman. He served two terms as governor of Kano State (1999–2003, 2011–2015), was minister of defence under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and ran for president in 2023, finishing fourth overall but delivering a resounding victory in Kano.
The NNPP also secured the governorship and a majority in the Kano State House of Assembly, further underscoring Kwankwaso’s enduring political influence in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.
What Was Discussed?
While Presidency officials declined to provide details of Monday’s meeting, one insider who spoke on condition of anonymity said the gathering took place in President Tinubu’s private residence, rendering it inaccessible to most aides and political observers.
Analysts suggest the timing of the visit could indicate behind-the-scenes consultations, possibly on national unity, regional development, or the shaping of future political alliances.
