President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key ally of New Nigeria People’s Party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, sparking speculation about potential political realignments.
Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency in Kano State and formerly chaired the House Appropriations Committee, is considered one of Kwankwaso’s most loyal supporters. When questioned by State House correspondents about possibly defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, the lawmaker gave a carefully measured response.
“I do not think it is time for that conversation, but everything is open, and it’s a possibility,” Jibrin stated. “The most important thing is stability of the country; the unity of the country. And I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
He framed his visit as routine given Tinubu’s longstanding relationship with Kwankwaso: “I came to see Mr. President, and, of course, the long term friendship that the President has also enjoyed with the national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. So I do not think it’s anything surprising to see me here to see the President, to greet him, check on him, and also discuss some national issues that I believe is in the interest of the people of this country.”
The meeting comes weeks after Kwankwaso accused the Tinubu administration of regional bias in infrastructure projects, claiming the South received preferential treatment. Jibrin downplayed these tensions, describing both leaders as committed statesmen.
“Well, both of them are very experienced politicians. The President is a first class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria,” Jibrin remarked. “So irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the villa during this period.”
The lawmaker called for balanced assessment of Tinubu’s administration, noting: “Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full, or you look at the cup half empty. You can decide to access someone and say ‘see, you’ve done well, but there’s still much to be done.'”
