Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was pictured on Monday visiting ex-military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at his hilltop residence in Minna, adding to speculation over behind-the-scenes moves for the 2027 presidential race.
Obasanjo, who landed at Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport, was whisked straight to Babangida’s residence after being received by Niger State protocol officials.
According to Daily Trust’s sources, the meeting lasted about 30 minutes before Obasanjo returned to the airport, but political watchers say the timing is telling.
“One of the sources said the visit may not be unconnected with national issues and the 2027 general elections, which are already gathering momentum,” the report stated.
Reports suggest Obasanjo is reportedly plotting a joint presidential ticket for Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to first challenge Atiku Abubakar for the party’s ticket and then face President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“The proposed ticket, according to the reports, is being positioned to first challenge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the party’s presidential ticket and, if successful, to mount a broader opposition challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.”
Observers claim Babangida has encouraged Kwankwaso to leave the NNPP for the ADC as part of a wider political chess game.
“It was also reported that Babangida had encouraged Kwankwaso to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ADC, a move observers describe as part of a wider political strategy.”
Neither Obasanjo nor Babangida has spoken publicly, but Monday’s secretive visit is being read by political insiders as a strategic step in the 2027 power shuffle.
