Obasanjo Meets IBB Behind Closed Doors Amid 2027 Speculations
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo held a closed-door meeting with ex-military ruler Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State
- Sources said the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, may be linked to national political issues and early 2027 election manoeuvres
- The visit comes amid reports linking Obasanjo and Babangida to opposition coalition talks involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria
Minna, Niger state - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday held a closed-door meeting with former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.
The visit has sparked fresh political speculation amid growing manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general election.
Source: Twitter
Obasanjo arrived in Minna via the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport and was received by protocol officials from the Niger State Government House.
Closed-door meeting lasts 30 minutes
Sources hinted that Obasanjo arrived at IBB’s house about 4.30 pm and left about 5 pm, with about four vehicles in the convoy.
Findings revealed that, upon his arrival, he was led to the small living room at the IBB house, where they held a closed-door session.
“You know, any time they want to engage politically, it is always brief without many people. IBB was not with many people, and Obasanjo did not come with many people “, the source hinted further.
Sources told Daily Trust that Obasanjo returned to the airport shortly after the meeting, without addressing journalists.
One of the sources familiar with the meeting said the visit may not be unconnected with national political developments and the early alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Although no official details were disclosed, the timing of the meeting has heightened speculation within political circles.
Obasanjo linked to Obi–Kwankwaso coalition talks
Obasanjo has recently been linked to reports of political permutations aimed at forming a joint presidential ticket involving Labour Party’s Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
According to the reports, the proposed Obi–Kwankwaso ticket is being positioned to contest the presidential primaries of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Source: Twitter
The arrangement is also reportedly aimed at mounting a broader opposition challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027.
The reports further suggest that Obasanjo is allegedly spearheading talks that include a fallback option for Obi and Kwankwaso to contest the election on another platform if they fail to secure the ADC ticket.
In a related development, Babangida has also been linked to reports encouraging Kwankwaso to dump the NNPP for the ADC, a move observers say could form part of a wider opposition strategy.
Obasanjo, IBB yet to comment
As of the time of filing this report, neither Obasanjo nor Babangida has made any formal statement regarding the meeting or the political speculations surrounding it.
However, political observers say the high-profile meeting has further fuelled discussions about behind-the-scenes consultations ahead of the 2027 elections
IBB mentions why he overthrew Buhari govt
Legit.ng earlier reported that Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) revealed in his autobiography, A Journey In Service, that he overthrew Muhammadu Buhari's regime due to dissatisfaction with its policies and leadership styles.
Babangida detailed the draconian decrees and abuse of rights under Buhari, which led to the 1985 coup.
He emphasised that action had to be taken to rebuild the hopes of Nigerians and prevent further division within the armed forces
Source: Legit.ng
