President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday met behind closed doors with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key ally of NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The high-level meeting comes amid growing rumours of a potential defection of Kwankwaso and his political allies from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development also follows recent criticism of President Tinubu’s administration by Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and maintains long-standing relationships with both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, spoke briefly with journalists after the meeting.
He described the discussion as one centered on national interest.
While he declined to confirm whether a defection is on the horizon, he left the door open to future political realignments.
“I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is stability of the country, is unity of the country, and I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it,” Jibrin stated when asked if he planned to return to the APC.
His presence at the Villa has only intensified ongoing speculation about shifts within Nigeria’s political terrain, especially considering Kwankwaso’s recent public disapproval of Tinubu’s policies, particularly regarding the North’s development and inclusion in governance.
When asked whether his visit was intended to ease tensions between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin played down that narrative, instead emphasizing the shared national focus of both leaders.
“The President is a first-class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.”
“So irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the Villa during this period,” he explained.
Responding to a question about whether Tinubu has lived up to expectations in northern Nigeria especially in light of Kwankwaso’s recent criticism , Jibrin offered a nuanced response.
“Well, 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. But I also believe that everyone is entitled to his opinion, and it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse, sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise,” he said.
