Atiku, Makinde Hold Secret Talks with IBB in Minna Amid 2027 Political Maneuvering

By Emmanuel Kwada

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were engaged in a high-stakes, closed-door meeting with former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), popularly known as IBB, at his iconic Uphill Residence in Minna on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting, shrouded in secrecy, has sparked intense speculation about its implications for Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.

Atiku Abubakar arrived in Minna via the Minna International Airport around 1:30 p.m. local time and headed directly to IBB’s residence, where he immediately commenced private discussions with the elder statesman. Approximately 40 minutes later, at around 2:10 p.m., Governor Seyi Makinde joined the session, turning the gathering into a three-man strategic consultation.

Sources close to the development described the talks as focused on critical national issues, including electoral reforms such as the electronic transmission of election results—recent tax policies, and broader consultations on the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

However, no official details have been released, and the meeting remained ongoing behind closed doors as of the latest reports.

The convergence of these prominent figures at a time when political realignments and opposition strategies are intensifying ahead of 2027 has fueled widespread interest.

Atiku, a perennial presidential contender and key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Makinde, a prominent PDP governor often seen as a reformist voice, meeting with IBB, a respected northern political heavyweight with deep influence, suggests deliberate bridge-building or alliance discussions.

Some reports suggested the gathering could unsettle the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s camp, with speculation that the opposition may be exploring unified fronts or endorsements for future contests.

Neither Atiku’s team, Governor Makinde’s office, nor IBB’s residence had issued an official statement on the agenda or outcome at the time of filing this report. Observers anticipate that one of the participants may address the press upon conclusion of the meeting.

This development comes against a backdrop of ongoing PDP internal dynamics and national debates on governance reforms, making the Minna meeting a closely watched event in Nigeria’s political calendar. Further updates are expected as details emerge.