By Our Correspondent
National News – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held separate meetings with former All Progressives Congress National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and former Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meetings came barely a day after former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked fresh political tension and possible party defections across northern Nigeria.
According to sources at the Presidential Villa, Ganduje arrived for consultations with President Tinubu earlier in the afternoon and departed around 4:15 pm, while Badaru left about 15 minutes later after a separate meeting.
Both politicians declined to address journalists regarding the purpose of their visits.
The consultations are believed to be linked to the recent wave of political defections and internal party adjustments following the APC’s national convention held on March 27, 2026, at Eagle Square in Abuja.
During the convention, Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the substantive national chairman of the ruling party after Ganduje resigned from the position in July 2025.
Ganduje previously served as governor of Kano State from 2015 to 2023 before becoming the APC national chairman.
Meanwhile, Badaru governed Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 and recently stepped down as defence minister in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Political observers say the President’s meetings with the two influential politicians may be aimed at managing party dynamics and addressing emerging political shifts triggered by Kwankwaso’s defection to the ADC.
Reports also suggest that several political figures loyal to Badaru in Jigawa State may be considering joining the ADC due to a growing rift with Governor Umar Namadi.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ganduje accompanied Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to the House of Representatives to witness the defection of eight NNPP lawmakers to the APC.
Speaking after the event, Ganduje dismissed concerns about Kwankwaso’s defection, expressing confidence that Kano State would deliver victory for President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf in the 2027 elections.
