Kwankwaso, El-Rufai Meeting Aimed at Tinubu – Shettima

In a move reflecting ongoing political shifts, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in 2023, met with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday at El-Rufai’s residence in Abuja.

Images and videos of the meeting circulated on social media platform X, showing the two exchanging pleasantries alongside associates. Kwankwaso later confirmed the meeting, stating on X, “Pleased to pay a cordial visit to my former colleague, H.E Nasir El-Rufai, at his residence in Abuja today.”

While the details of their conversation remain undisclosed, sources suggest it was part of efforts to rebuild alliances ahead of the 2027 general election. An APC insider described the meeting as a gathering of “aggrieved persons seeking to regain relevance.”

This marks the first public meeting between El-Rufai, a key campaign figure for President Bola Tinubu in 2023, and Kwankwaso since the election, where Kwankwaso finished fourth. Despite remaining an APC member, El-Rufai has distanced himself from the party’s core after the Senate rejected his ministerial nomination.

Both political figures face significant challenges in their respective states. In Kano, Kwankwaso is engaged in a conflict with APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, particularly over the Kano Emir seat. In Kaduna, El-Rufai is contesting allegations of misappropriating ₦432 billion, amid tensions with his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

El-Rufai has been active politically, recently visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, among other notable figures. These visits have fueled speculation of strategic maneuvers aimed at influencing the 2027 elections.

Yerima Shettima, president of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, commented on the meeting, noting the potential political implications. “El-Rufai has the right to associate with whomever he chooses, but these meetings clearly have political undertones aimed at possibly unseating the incumbent president. Whether they will succeed remains to be seen,” he stated.