President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday met privately with Abdulmumin Jibrin, a prominent ally of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting comes amid swirling rumours about a potential defection of Kwankwaso and his supporters to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), coupled with recent criticisms from the NNPP presidential candidate on Tinubu’s government.
Representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, Jibrin is well known as a close associate of both President Tinubu and Kwankwaso. Speaking to reporters after the engagement, he said discussions centred on key national issues but deliberately stopped short of confirming any immediate party switch.
“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 remarked when asked about a possible return to the APC.
The interaction has intensified speculation about shifting alliances in Nigeria’s political terrain, especially in light of Kwankwaso’s recent public critiques concerning the Tinubu administration’s approach to northern development and inclusion.
When asked if the meeting was aimed at easing political friction between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin dismissed such assumptions, highlighting the seasoned political maturity 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 said.
Regarding Tinubu’s performance for the North amid recent NNPP criticisms, Jibrin gave a nuanced assessment.
“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 added.
The sun
