President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a close ally of former Kano State governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting comes amid growing speculation about a potential defection by Kwankwaso and his political allies to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following a series of critical remarks made by the NNPP leader against the Tinubu administration.
Jibrin, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State, is known for his longstanding ties to both Tinubu and Kwankwaso. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he said their discussion focused on pressing national issues, but declined to confirm or deny any planned defection.
Pressed on whether he was considering a return to the APC, Jibrin responded: “I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is the stability and unity of the country. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
When asked if the visit was aimed at easing political tensions between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin played down any notion of a rift, describing both men as experienced leaders committed to Nigeria’s development.
“The president is a first-class politician. The national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician. I believe both are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said. “So, irrespective of the comments that were made, I don’t think it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the Villa during this period.”
Responding to Kwankwaso’s recent criticism of Tinubu’s performance in the North, Jibrin offered a measured perspective.
“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you choose to assess him. You can see the cup as half full or half empty,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and sometimes such opinions help deepen national discourse—it might even turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”
The meeting has fueled further speculation about shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
