Tinubu meets Kwankwaso ally Abdulmumin Jibrin amid defection speculations
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with Abdulmumin Jibrin, a close associate of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State—at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting comes amid growing speculation about a possible defection of Kwankwaso and his political allies to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jibrin, who represents the Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and maintains ties with both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, told reporters after the meeting that discussions centered on national issues.
When asked directly about the possibility of a defection, Jibrin said: “I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open and a possibility. The most important thing is the stability and unity of the country. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
The meeting follows recent remarks by Kwankwaso criticizing the Tinubu administration for allegedly neglecting development in Northern Nigeria. However, Jibrin dismissed suggestions that his visit was linked to resolving political tensions between the two leaders.
“The President is a first-class politician, and the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician,” he said. “I believe both are committed to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and prosperity. Irrespective of recent comments, my presence at the Villa should not be a source of concern.”
On Tinubu’s performance in the North, Jibrin stated: “Every leader does his best. It depends on perspective—you can see the cup half full or half empty. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and such views can contribute to the national discourse, sometimes becoming a blessing in disguise.”
