Friday, August 1, 2025 - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday evening met with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a close ally of the national leader of the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano
State in the House of Representatives, held a closed-door session with the
president at his office in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting comes amid growing speculation that Kwankwaso may be
considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of
the 2027 general elections.
However, those speculations were cast in doubt last week after
Kwankwaso openly criticised Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of favouring
the South, where the president hails from, at the expense of the North.
Responding to questions from State House correspondents after the
meeting, Jibrin said nothing was impossible regarding a possible return to the
APC. He, however, added that it was not yet time for such discussions, while
noting, “Everything is open, and it’s a possibility.”
He said, “The most important thing is the stability of the country;
the unity of the country. And I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll
cross it.”
Jibrin also said his visit to the Villa should not surprise anyone,
given the longstanding relationship between President Tinubu and 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, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“So I do not think it’s anything surprising to see me here to see
the president, to greet him, check on him, and also discuss some national
issues that I believe are in the interest of the people of this country.”
On his assessment of the current administration, Jibrin said,
“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 can look at the cup half empty.”
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