Kwankwaso Breaks Silence on Ibadan Meeting with Governor Makinde
The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has publicly addressed the speculation surrounding his recent visit to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. In a statement that has captured national political attention, Kwankwaso firmly dismissed suggestions that the meeting was aimed at forging a cross-party alliance ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
Details of the Closed-Door Session
The significant political encounter took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan. According to verified reports, the closed-door session lasted approximately two hours and was conducted away from media scrutiny at the Governor's Office within the Secretariat complex. This private nature of the meeting has fueled intense political speculation across Nigeria's political landscape.
Kwankwaso, who previously served as governor of Kano State, clarified his intentions while speaking with journalists immediately after the meeting concluded. "This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics," the NNPP leader emphasized. "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."
Political Context and Speculation
The timing of this meeting has generated substantial political interest, coming amid growing speculation about potential realignments and coalition formations as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Neither Kwankwaso nor Makinde disclosed specific details about their private discussions, maintaining confidentiality that has only heightened political curiosity.
This development occurs within a broader political context where other significant meetings have taken place. Recall that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Makinde recently sought the support of former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida for the 2027 elections. Makinde has been consulting with Babangida regarding potential plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Atiku aims to mobilize Nigerians and strengthen ADC party structures nationwide.
Kwankwaso's Recent Movements and International Engagements
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso returned to Abuja on Sunday, February 15, 2026, following what his party described as "strategic international engagements" in India. His arrival coincided with significant political developments, including a proposed United States congressional bill that named him among individuals recommended for targeted sanctions over alleged religious freedom violations.
The NNPP has confirmed that Kwankwaso's international trip involved meetings with educational institutions in India, where he also received a prestigious award. This international dimension adds another layer to the political narrative surrounding the former Kano State governor.
Political Implications and Future Developments
The Kwankwaso-Makinde meeting represents a significant moment in Nigeria's evolving political landscape as the country moves toward the 2027 elections. While Kwankwaso has emphasized the personal nature of the visit, political analysts continue to monitor these developments closely, recognizing that such high-level meetings between opposition figures often signal deeper political calculations.
As Nigeria's political temperature rises in anticipation of the next electoral cycle, interactions between prominent political figures like Kwankwaso and Makinde will undoubtedly remain under intense scrutiny. The coming months are expected to reveal whether these personal friendships will translate into formal political alliances or whether they will remain exactly as described—personal connections in a complex political environment.
