Abdulmumin Jibrin, a close ally of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, met with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the State House in Abuja.
The visit comes just days after Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, accused the Tinubu-led administration of favouring the southern region in infrastructure and development projects.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Jibrin, a former federal lawmaker, said discussions centred on national unity and development. His visit has fuelled speculation about a possible political alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Asked if his visit signalled a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Jibrin sidestepped the question, saying “everything is open” and “a possibility.”
“I do not think it is time for that conversation,” he said. “But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is the stability of the country and its unity. I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
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Jibrin, who is known for his ties to both political heavyweights, described Tinubu and Kwankwaso as seasoned politicians dedicated to Nigeria’s progress.
“The president is a first-class politician. The national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician,” he said. “I believe both of them are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
He also played down Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms of the federal government, urging against overinterpretation of divergent views.
“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full or half empty,” Jibrin said. “But I also believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, and it can always contribute to deepening the discourse.”
