Former presidential candidate and National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday inaugurated the party’s office in Ibadan, marking a significant step in strengthening the NNPP’s presence in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general election.
During his visit to the Oyo State capital, Kwankwaso also paid a courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government Secretariat in Ibadan. The two leaders held a private meeting, the details of which were not disclosed.
However, sources suggested the engagement was aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between both politicians.
Kwankwaso was accompanied by the NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajid Ahmed; the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Najipo Johnson; and other senior officials.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the former Kano State governor explained that his primary mission in Ibadan was to commission the NNPP’s new state office as part of efforts to consolidate the party’s structure and promote unity in Oyo ahead of 2027.
He stressed that his visit to Governor Makinde was driven more by personal ties than political considerations.
“I am here in Ibadan with the national chairman of our party and other officials to open our office and deliberate on key issues concerning our party in Oyo State,” he said.
Kwankwaso added that before proceeding to the party secretariat, he deemed it necessary to visit Makinde, describing the governor as a longtime friend. He noted that their relationship transcends party affiliations.
Although Makinde is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kwankwaso recalled his own history with the PDP, stating that he was among its founding members in 1998. He was elected Governor of Kano State on the PDP platform in 1999 and later served as Minister of Defence. He also highlighted his roles in national and international assignments, including serving as an envoy in Darfur and Somalia.
Kwankwaso explained that he later moved to the All Progressives Congress before eventually aligning with the NNPP, where he currently serves as national leader.
He said he and his team would return to Abuja after completing the inauguration ceremony.
While political analysts view the visit as part of broader consultations and possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, both leaders maintained that their meeting was largely personal rather than political.
