Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday received former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Abuja, in a meeting widely interpreted as part of intensifying political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two politicians, who were contenders in the last presidential election won by President Bola Tinubu, are seen as key figures in Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Atiku, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), finished second in the poll, while Kwankwaso, who ran under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), maintained a strong political base, particularly in Kano State.
Confirming the visit, Atiku described it as a routine engagement focused on national concerns, downplaying speculation about political alignments.
“This evening, I received the former Governor of Kano State and the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on a courtesy visit.
”We had a robust discussion on the state of the nation,” he wrote on his social media handles.
Despite the description of the meeting as informal, it comes at a time of growing speculation about possible shifts within opposition ranks.
Reports have suggested that Kwankwaso may consider leaving the NNPP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as politicians continue to explore alliances and reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The Abuja meeting also followed a recent gathering hosted by Kwankwaso in Kano, where several prominent opposition figures converged during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Among those present at the event were former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson.
The meeting, held at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence, drew a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers, creating a festive atmosphere across the Kano metropolis.
The visit coincided with the annual Kwankwasiyya Sallah celebrations, during which political leaders exchanged greetings with the host and joined Muslim faithful in marking the occasion.
