In a move that has sparked significant curiosity across the political landscape, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), held a closed-door meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan. Despite the intense speculation surrounding the two-hour sit-down, Kwankwaso has clarified that the visit was rooted in a long-standing personal friendship rather than any immediate political maneuvering.
The meeting took place on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office while Kwankwaso was in the state to attend to party business, including the inauguration of a new NNPP office. Addressing journalists shortly after his discussion with Makinde, the former Kano State Governor was quick to downplay rumors that they were negotiating cross-party alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso emphasized that his visit was primarily a matter of courtesy and respect. He noted that he and Governor Makinde share a history that predates their current party affiliations. He felt it was only proper to pay his respects to the state’s helmsman before proceeding to his official party engagements in the capital.
During his interaction with the press, Kwankwaso reflected on his own storied political journey. He reminded observers that he was among the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, under which he was elected governor in 1999 and later served as the Minister of Defence. Since then, his path has taken him through the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he eventually settled into his current role leading the NNPP.
Despite the friendly nature of the visit to the Governor, Kwankwaso remained focused on his party’s growth. Reports gathered that the inauguration of the new NNPP office in Ibadan is a strategic move to solidify the party’s structure in the South-West. Kwankwaso explained that the goal is to build a more formidable presence in the region as the country gradually moves toward the next election cycle.
As the political atmosphere continues to evolve, meetings like these often draw intense scrutiny. However, for now, Kwankwaso maintains that his relationship with Makinde remains a testament to personal ties that can exist across the often-rigid lines of party politics.
