Tinubu open to meeting Kwankwaso amid defection talks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly open to meeting with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso following recent discussions with the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, over possible political realignments.

According to political sources, the President recently held talks with Governor Yusuf—widely regarded as Kwankwaso’s political godson—during which the issue of Kwankwaso’s potential defection and broader political cooperation was discussed.

It was after this engagement that President Tinubu is said to have agreed in principle to a direct meeting with the former Kano State governor.

Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and leader of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, has reportedly met President Tinubu on several occasions in the past. However, sources familiar with the discussions say the talks did not culminate in a political agreement due to unresolved conditions allegedly put forward by Kwankwaso.

While details of the conditions remain unclear, insiders suggest they border on political concessions and strategic alignments ahead of future elections. The lack of consensus on these terms is believed to have stalled earlier negotiations.

Neither the Presidency nor Kwankwaso’s camp has issued an official statement confirming the proposed meeting or the terms under discussion.

Nonetheless, the renewed engagement has fueled speculation about possible shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in Kano State and the wider North-West region.

Observers say a successful meeting between Tinubu and Kwankwaso could reshape political alliances ahead of upcoming electoral contests, while a breakdown in talks may further entrench existing divisions.

For now, all eyes remain on whether the anticipated meeting will hold and what outcomes it may produce.