President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to hold a crucial meeting with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, just a day after his private talks with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The anticipated meeting, expected to take place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, has further fueled speculation over possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu met behind closed doors with Governor Yusuf on Monday at the State House, a development that triggered widespread rumours about the NNPP governor’s political future and a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Yusuf arrived at the Villa shortly after 4:00 p.m., wearing his trademark white agbada and the red cap associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement. He was escorted to the President’s office by Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. The meeting reportedly lasted several hours.
Although no official statement was issued by either the Presidency or the Kano State Government, a source familiar with the development told Kano Times that the engagement was part of broader political consultations.
“The President is reaching out across party lines. The meeting with Governor Yusuf was strategic, and the follow-up meeting with Senator Kwankwaso is even more significant,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
Another source disclosed that Governor Yusuf played a key role in facilitating the expected Tinubu–Kwankwaso meeting.
“The governor helped to bridge the gap. Tinubu wants to harmonise interests, especially in Kano, which is politically critical ahead of 2027,” the source added.
The developments come amid persistent reports that negotiations have been ongoing, with claims that Governor Yusuf may be seeking guarantees, including support for a second term, should he consider joining the APC.
However, Kwankwaso has repeatedly stated that he would not enter into any political arrangement without clear terms.
“I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey and the fate of our plans for the common people,” Kwankwaso said last week while addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, according to a statement by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan.
The former Minister of Defence also distanced himself from any unilateral defection by his protégé, describing such a move as “painful,” particularly given his long-standing rivalry with former Kano State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Despite his reservations, Kwankwaso has not completely ruled out realignment ahead of 2027, insisting that any move must come with tangible political benefits, including serious consideration for either the presidential or vice-presidential slot.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Kwankwaso is also holding talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over a possible alliance, including a revived joint ticket proposal with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
President Tinubu, who recently returned from international engagements, is said to be intensifying consultations with opposition figures as part of efforts to expand the APC’s political base nationwide.
Observers believe that the expected Tinubu–Kwankwaso meeting could mark a turning point in Kano’s political landscape and shape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
