President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, met behind closed doors with an ally of Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, at State House, Abuja.
The meeting came in the wake of mounting speculation about a possible defection of Kwankwaso and his supporters to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as a wave of recent criticisms of the Tinubu administration by Kwankwaso.
Jibrin, a ranking member of the House of Representatives representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State, and a long-time associate of both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, told newsmen after the meeting that discussions focused on national issues of public interest.
While refusing to confirm whether a formal defection to APC was imminent, Jibrin did not rule out such possibility.
Asked if he was returning to APC, he said, “I do not think it is time for that conversation. But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is stability of the country, unity of the country, and I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”
On whether his visit to the Villa had anything to do with dousing political tensions between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Jibrin downplayed the issue, describing the two politicians as seasoned leaders, who share a commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
He said, “The president is a first-class politician. Of course, the national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician, and I believe that both of them are committed to the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
“So irrespective of the comments that were made, I do not think that it should be a source of concern that I’m seen in the Villa during this period.”
On whether Tinubu had delivered for the north, in contrast to Kwankwaso’s recent remarks, Jibrin stated, “Well, every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full, or you look at the cup half empty.
“But I also believe that everyone is entitled to his opinion, and it can always just contribute to deepening the discourse—sometimes it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.”