Obasanjo, Babangida Hold Quiet Minna Meeting as 2027 Political Calculations Intensify

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday paid a private visit to former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, fuelling fresh speculation about behind-the-scenes political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obasanjo arrived in Minna via the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport and was received by government protocol officials before proceeding directly to Babangida’s residence. The visit was brief and conducted away from public view.

Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that both elder statesmen held a closed-door discussion lasting about 30 minutes, with no engagement with the media or political associates. Shortly after the meeting, Obasanjo reportedly returned to the airport and departed Minna.

Although no official reason was given for the visit, political insiders believe it is connected to ongoing national consultations and early manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Analysts note that the timing of the meeting makes it difficult to dismiss its political significance.

Obasanjo has recently been linked to talks aimed at forging a broad opposition alliance capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid. Reports suggest he is associated with moves to promote a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The proposed arrangement is said to be designed to counter former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s influence within the opposition while presenting a united front ahead of 2027. There are also indications of contingency plans should the ADC option fail.

Babangida, on his part, has been mentioned in reports suggesting he encouraged Kwankwaso to consider defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ADC, a move widely viewed as part of a broader opposition realignment.

Both Obasanjo and Babangida have remained silent on the details of their meeting. However, political observers say the encounter has added momentum to growing discussions around high-level consultations and strategic planning as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections.