Amid growing concerns over defections in the North-West, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held separate closed-door meetings with former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The high-level consultations came against the backdrop of increasing political realignments within the region.
The development followed the recent defection of former Kano State governor and chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress, alongside key allies, including former deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna, ex-deputy governor Aminu Gwarzo, and numerous supporters.
There are also indications that some lawmakers in the region are considering joining the ADC in the wake of Kwankwaso’s move.
PUNCH correspondent observed Ganduje leaving the State House at about 4:15 pm, while Badaru exited roughly 15 minutes later, suggesting that both meetings were held separately.
The two political figures, however, declined to comment on the purpose of their visits when approached by journalists.
Political observers believed the meetings may not be unconnected to ongoing efforts to stabilise the ruling party following its 4th Elective National Convention held on March 27, 2026, at Eagle Square, Abuja, where Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the party’s national chairman, succeeding Ganduje, who resigned in July 2025 after assuming office in August 2023.
There are also concerns within the APC over possible defections by loyalists of Badaru in Jigawa State amid reported tensions with Governor Umar Namadi.
Badaru served as governor of Jigawa State between 2015 and 2023 before joining Tinubu’s cabinet as Minister of Defence, a position he recently vacated.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ganduje was present at the House of Representatives alongside Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, where eight members of the NNPP in the lower chamber defected to the APC.
Addressing journalists after the event, Ganduje downplayed the impact of Kwankwaso’s defection, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
He also projected strong electoral support for both Tinubu and Yusuf in Kano State in the next polls.