National leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has clarified that his private meeting with Oyo State Governor. Seyi Makinde was purely a friendly visit and not connected to any political negotiations
Kwankwaso met Makinde on Wednesday at the governor’s office in Ibadan while in the state to commission the NNPP’s new office and consult with party stakeholders. The closed-door discussion lasted nearly two hours.
Addressing journalists afterward, Kwankwaso dismissed suggestions that the engagement signaled a potential alliance or political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This visit is more about personal friendship than party politics.”
“Governor Makinde and I have known each other for a long time. Before proceeding to our party engagement in the state, I felt it was proper to pay him a courtesy call.”
He pointed out that Makinde belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and noted his own longstanding history with the party, having been among its founding members in 1998.
Kwankwaso recalled that he became Kano State governor under the PDP in 1999 and later served as Minister of Defence. He explained that his political journey later took him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before eventually settling with the NNPP, where he currently serves as national leader.
During his visit, Kwankwaso also officially opened the NNPP’s office in Ibadan, describing it as part of efforts to deepen the party’s structure in Oyo State in preparation for the 2027 polls.
The development follows the recent defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf from the NNPP to the APC.
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Yinmu