Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, last weekend.
The meeting also saw the presence of Donald Duke, the former Governor of Cross River State.
Kwankwaso shared details of the meeting in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), revealing that the conversation focused on significant national issues.
According to Kwankwaso, “Deliberations on the future of politics and governance in Nigeria defined the conversation.”
This encounter is seen as a critical one, coming at a time when the political landscape in Nigeria is in flux, with different groups and figures seeking to define their roles in the coming years.
“It was a pleasure to be in the company of my friend, HE Donald Duke, and other associates to pay a courtesy call on President Olusegun Obasanjo,” Kwankwaso wrote. “We are grateful to Baba for his warm support and hospitality,” he added, expressing his appreciation for the former president’s reception.
The timing of this meeting is particularly significant given Nigeria’s tense political atmosphere. Key figures such as Kwankwaso, Obasanjo, and Duke are known to have considerable influence, and their discussions could have a far-reaching impact on future elections and political developments.
This isn’t the first time that Obasanjo and Kwankwaso have been seen together in recent months. In November, Obasanjo attended Kwankwaso’s daughter’s wedding in Kano. At the event, Obasanjo wore a red cap, a symbol of the Kwankwasiyya movement, further strengthening the connection between the two political figures.
Kwankwaso, who was a strong contender in the 2023 presidential election, has consistently been a prominent voice in Nigerian politics. His meeting with Obasanjo and Duke signals a potential shift in alliances as political figures look to solidify their influence ahead of future elections.
The involvement of Donald Duke, who has also been an active figure in Nigerian politics, adds weight to the discussion. Duke, a former governor with a reputation for his progressive views, has long been regarded as a key player in the Nigerian political scene.
It remains to be seen what the outcomes of this meeting will be. Still, the trio’s conversation on Nigeria’s political future suggests that a reshaping of alliances is already underway.
The future of governance in Nigeria is in the hands of these influential figures, whose decisions and alliances will likely determine the direction the country takes in the coming years.
With the next general elections approaching, the political landscape is bracing for significant changes. The meeting between Kwankwaso, Obasanjo, and Duke highlights the importance of forging strong political relationships to navigate the complex realities of Nigerian politics.
As Kwankwaso and his allies continue to press for change in the nation’s leadership, the question remains: will this strategic meeting translate into more decisive political action or remain a symbolic gesture?
The coming months will reveal how these discussions shape the political trajectory of Nigeria. The key players involved are undoubtedly aware of the power they hold to influence the country’s future.
