Defection Speculations Rise as Kwankwaso Ally Jibrin Meets Tinubu Behind Closed Doors

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with Abdulmumin Jibrin, a close associate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The visit has fueled speculation of a possible defection, especially as Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives (Kiru/Bebeji, Kano), did not rule out rejoining the All Progressives Congress (APC). Jibrin played a major role in the NNPP’s landmark victory in Kano during the 2023 elections after leaving the APC.

Responding to questions on his political future, Jibrin said, “I don’t think this is the time to have that conversation, but everything is open. It’s a possibility. What matters most is the stability and unity of the country. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”

He downplayed the significance of his visit, pointing to Tinubu’s longstanding relationship with Kwankwaso. “I came to see the President. He and Senator Kwankwaso have enjoyed a long-standing friendship. It’s not unusual to see me here, checking in on him and discussing national issues,” he explained.

Jibrin also dismissed suggestions that the meeting was unusual, despite rising tensions between the NNPP and the Presidency. Kwankwaso has previously accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting the North in its infrastructure agenda.

“They are both seasoned politicians,” Jibrin said. “The President is a first-class politician, and Kwankwaso is also highly experienced. I believe both are committed to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and prosperity.”

Jibrin, who once chaired the House Committee on Appropriations in the 8th Assembly, defected to the NNPP ahead of the 2023 polls, becoming a key ally of Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), has vowed to mobilize Nigerians to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 through democratic means. Speaking on Arise TV, Lukman—now aligned with the opposition coalition under the ADC—said Tinubu has failed to deliver on leadership and economic expectations.

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“I stood by Asiwaju and campaigned for him while in APC. But the truth is, he has failed, and it reflects in our daily lives. We will use our democratic rights to vote him out,” Lukman stated.

He emphasized that this political opposition would not prevent dialogues aimed at ensuring equity and inclusiveness.

Lukman officially resigned from the APC in June 2024, citing the party’s abandonment of its founding progressive ideology in favor of self-serving political interests.