Makinde and Kwankwaso Hold Closed-Door Meeting in Ibadan, Sparking 2027 Political Speculation
Former presidential candidate and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, held a closed-door meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, February 24, at the Governor's Office in Ibadan. This high-profile encounter has ignited widespread speculation about potential political realignments as the 2027 general elections approach.
Details of the Meeting and Delegation
Kwankwaso, who served as the NNPP's presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections and is a former governor of Kano State, characterized the visit as a simple courtesy call. However, the timing and significance of the meeting have captured public attention, especially as discussions around opposition alliances continue to intensify across the political landscape.
The former Kano governor arrived with a substantial delegation that included:
- NNPP National Chairman Dr. Ajuji Ahmed
- National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson
- Secretary of the Board of Trustees Buba Galadima
- Other senior party officials
The NNPP delegation was in Oyo State primarily for the inauguration of its state office and internal consultations. Despite this official purpose, the meeting with Makinde, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attracted considerable interest due to their differing political affiliations and the potential implications for future electoral strategies.
Kwankwaso's Public Statements and Political History
After approximately two hours of private discussions, Kwankwaso addressed journalists and sought to downplay suggestions that the engagement was politically motivated. "This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics," he stated. "Governor Makinde and I have known each other for a long time. Before proceeding to our party engagement in the state, I felt it was proper to pay him a courtesy call."
Kwankwaso also reflected on his extensive political history, noting that he was a founding member of the PDP in 1998. He was first elected governor of Kano State in 1999 on the party's platform and later served as Minister of Defence under a PDP administration. After returning as governor in 2011, again under the PDP banner, he eventually defected to the All Progressives Congress before emerging as the leader of the NNPP.
Speculation and Unanswered Questions
Neither Kwankwaso nor Makinde disclosed specific details of their closed-door discussions, leaving ample room for continued speculation about potential cross-party cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections. Political analysts suggest that such meetings between opposition figures could signal early maneuvering for electoral alliances, particularly as both parties assess their strengths and weaknesses following the 2023 election cycle.
The NNPP delegation was expected to proceed with the inauguration of its state office in Oyo State following the meeting with Governor Makinde. This development marks another step in the party's efforts to establish a stronger presence across various states, potentially positioning itself as a significant player in future political negotiations.
As political activities gradually intensify in preparation for the 2027 general elections, observers will be closely monitoring further interactions between key figures across party lines. The Makinde-Kwankwaso meeting serves as a reminder that Nigerian politics often involves complex relationships that transcend formal party boundaries, with personal connections sometimes influencing broader political strategies.
