Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The high-level political meeting, which took place away from the public eye, has sparked fresh conversations about early alignments and coalition talks ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
A short video circulating online showed Makinde arriving at the venue and exchanging pleasantries with Kwankwaso and other political associates.
However, neither camp disclosed the purpose of the meeting as of press time.
2027 Election Consultations Gather Momentum
The Makinde-Kwankwaso meeting comes amid increasing political consultations among influential power brokers across party lines.
Analysts believe discussions like this could shape emerging alliances ahead of the next presidential and governorship elections.
Recently, Makinde was among top political figures who visited a former Military President in Minna, Niger State — a move widely interpreted as part of broader strategic consultations for 2027.
Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State and NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, just returned to Nigeria via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after what his party described as “strategic international engagements” in India.
Political Realignments and National Attention
The NNPP leader has remained a central figure in national political discourse, particularly amid reports of a proposed bill before the United States Congress recommending targeted sanctions against certain Nigerian individuals over alleged religious freedom violations.
Although details of the Ibadan meeting remain undisclosed, observers say the engagement signals ongoing political realignments and behind-the-scenes negotiations that could influence Nigeria’s power dynamics in the coming years.
As political activities gradually build toward 2027, meetings between influential leaders like Makinde and Kwankwaso are expected to attract sustained public and media attention.
