Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, held a closed-door meeting with three prominent elder statesmen in Minna, the Niger State capital, on Sunday evening.
Obasanjo flew into Minna shortly after attending the 90th birthday celebration of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in Benin City.
Upon his arrival, Obasanjo immediately proceeded to the hilltop residence of former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
Waiting for him at Babangida’s residence were two other former Nigerian leaders: General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and General Aliyu Gusau (rtd).
Abdulsalami is a former Head of State, while Gusau once served as the National Security Adviser (NSA) under different administrations.
The four elder statesmen went into a closed-door meeting that lasted about an hour.
The details of the discussion were not made public, but it is believed that they deliberated on the current pressing national issues, including Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Obasanjo left Minna at around 6:20 p.m., after the private meeting, without addressing the media.
This gathering of some of Nigeria’s most influential leaders has sparked widespread speculation, given the country’s ongoing economic crisis and mounting political tensions.
The meeting comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with several challenges, including high inflation, a weakening currency, and rising unemployment.
These problems have led to growing public discontent and calls for urgent action to stabilize the nation’s economy.
While no official statement has been released about the content of the meeting, analysts believe that the presence of such high-profile figures suggests discussions were centered on how to address Nigeria’s dire economic situation.
Obasanjo, a two-time leader of Nigeria—first as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007—has continued to play an active role in Nigerian politics, often speaking out on critical national issues.
In recent years, Obasanjo has been vocal about the need for economic reforms and political stability, frequently calling on the government to act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
IBB, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s political landscape, despite his retirement from active politics.
Known for his controversial policies, including the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Babangida continues to weigh in on national issues through private channels.
Abubakar, who handed over power to a civilian government in 1999 after overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democracy, has also remained involved in national affairs.
He frequently serves as a mediator in political disputes and has worked on efforts to ensure peace and stability during elections.
Gusau, who served as the National Security Adviser (NSA) under different administrations, has maintained a low profile in recent years but remains a key player behind the scenes.
His experience in national security matters gives him a unique perspective on the country’s challenges, particularly in the areas of security and governance.
