Former presidential candidate and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday inaugurated the party’s state office in Ibadan, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During his visit to the Oyo State capital, Kwankwaso also paid a courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government Secretariat. The two leaders held a closed-door meeting, though details of their discussion were not disclosed.
Political observers believe the meeting may be part of broader consultations ahead of 2027. However, both camps described the engagement as largely personal and reflective of the longstanding cordial relationship between the two politicians.
Kwankwaso was accompanied by top NNPP officials, including the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ajid Ahmed, and National Publicity Secretary, Najipo Johnson.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Kwankwaso explained that his primary mission in Ibadan was to officially open the NNPP office and engage party stakeholders in Oyo State as part of efforts to consolidate unity and strengthen the party’s structure.
“I am here in Ibadan with the national chairman of our party and other officials to inaugurate our office and discuss important issues concerning the NNPP in Oyo State,” he said.
He noted that before proceeding to the party office, he deemed it necessary to visit Governor Makinde, whom he described as a long-time friend.
“This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics,” Kwankwaso added.
Although Governor Makinde is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kwankwaso reflected on his own political journey within the PDP, recalling that he was among the party’s founding members in 1998. He was elected Governor of Kano State under the PDP in 1999 and later served as Minister of Defence, as well as holding various national and international assignments.
He subsequently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) before aligning with the NNPP, where he now serves as National Leader.
Kwankwaso said he would return to Abuja after completing activities related to the office inauguration.
While speculation continues about possible political realignments ahead of the next general election cycle, both leaders maintained that the Ibadan meeting was rooted in personal ties rather than partisan strategy.
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