President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the State House, Abuja, fueling renewed speculation over a possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Yusuf arrived at the Presidential Villa shortly after 4:00 p.m. and was escorted to the President’s office by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of intense political speculation that the Kano governor, elected on the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the NNPP’s national leader and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had earlier dismissed claims that he approved or endorsed any plan by Yusuf to defect, stressing that no such consent was given.
Political analysts note that discussions around a potential defection have reportedly been ongoing for several weeks, but sources say negotiations may have hit a snag over key issues, including whether Governor Yusuf would be guaranteed an automatic ticket in the 2027 elections.
The reported moves have also deepened political tensions in Kano, with signs of growing strain between supporters of Governor Yusuf and loyalists of his political mentor, Kwankwaso.
Although no official statement has been issued, observers believe the meeting with President Tinubu may not be unconnected with the defection talks.
Details of the closed-door meeting are expected to emerge in the coming hours.