Tinubu meets Ganduje, Badaru at Aso Rock amid rising political tensions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held separate 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 engagements, which took place behind closed doors, have fueled speculation within political circles, as neither Ganduje nor Badaru addressed State House correspondents after the meetings.

Although the agenda of the discussions was not disclosed, the meetings come against the backdrop of heightened political and security developments, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Recent attacks by insurgents in the North-East, especially in Borno State, have drawn national attention and raised fresh concerns over security.

At the same time, political activities are intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections. In Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum recently dissolved his cabinet, directing commissioners to hand over to permanent secretaries by April 3—a move widely seen as creating room for those with political ambitions to pursue elective offices.

The meetings also come amid shifting political alliances in Kano State, following the defection of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress. The development has stirred fresh calculations within the APC, particularly in Kano, a key political stronghold.

Ganduje, who served as APC National Chairman from August 2023 until his resignation in July 2025, remains an influential figure in the party’s northern structure, while Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa State, is also considered a key political actor.

Observers believe the meetings may not be unconnected with ongoing efforts by the presidency to consolidate political support, manage emerging opposition alliances, and address security concerns ahead of the next election cycle.