Tinubu Meets Kwankwaso in Secret Villa Talks as 2027 Power Game Intensifies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, July 21. The high-profile meeting occurred amidst growing political speculation and internal party controversies.

Kwankwaso’s visit to the State House comes on the heels of persistent rumors about his possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development also reignited discussions surrounding the sudden resignation of former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who has long maintained a bitter political rivalry with Kwankwaso, his predecessor as Governor of Kano State.

Sources close to the presidency suggest this is not the first recent contact between Tinubu and Kwankwaso. In May 2025, the two reportedly held a private four-hour meeting in France, which reportedly focused on integrating Kwankwaso into the federal administration—a move political observers say could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Photos of the latest meeting quickly circulated on social media and were later confirmed by national media outlets. The timing of Kwankwaso’s visit is notable, as it follows increasing tensions within the ruling party and speculation about the political future of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Some reports have alleged a growing rift between Tinubu and Shettima, with suggestions that the president may consider replacing his deputy in the next electoral cycle—possibly with Kwankwaso. Although these claims have been dismissed by APC loyalists, the narrative is reportedly gaining traction within the opposition, particularly among supporters of the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition.

The opposition coalition, now aligned under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is preparing a broad-based political challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid. The ADC recently appointed former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, once a strong Tinubu ally, as interim national secretary—a move interpreted by analysts as a signal of shifting allegiances.

In a related development, NNPP chieftain Olufemi Ajadi recently urged Nigerians to reject political parties that have failed to deliver on their promises. Speaking to the media, Ajadi emphasized the need for accountability in leadership and expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening socioeconomic conditions, despite campaign assurances made during the 2023 elections.

The evolving political landscape has generated widespread interest as various actors position themselves for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.