Obasanjo Visits Babangida in Minna, Fuels 2027 Political Speculation
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday paid a visit to former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State, triggering fresh speculation over political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obasanjo arrived in Minna through the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport, where he was received by Government House protocol officials before proceeding directly to Babangida’s residence. The visit was brief and conducted out of public view.
Sources quoted by Daily Trust said the two former leaders held a closed-door meeting that lasted about 30 minutes. “There was no interaction with the media or political stakeholders. After the meeting, Obasanjo returned to the airport,” one source said.
Although no official reason was given for the visit, another source described it as part of broader national consultations. “Given the political climate and the early momentum around 2027, such a meeting cannot be viewed as ordinary,” the source noted.
Obasanjo has recently featured in reports linking him to emerging political permutations aimed at building a strong opposition coalition ahead of the next general election. The reports suggest he is associated with efforts to float a joint presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The proposed arrangement, according to the reports, is intended to challenge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the ADC presidential ticket and, if successful, present a united opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027. “There is also talk of a backup plan for the duo to contest on another platform if the ADC route fails,” a political source said.
Similarly, Babangida has been linked to reports suggesting he encouraged Kwankwaso to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ADC, a move analysts say is part of a wider opposition realignment strategy.
Both Obasanjo and Babangida have remained silent on the reports. However, political observers say the meeting has “added fresh fuel to ongoing discussions about high-level consultations and strategic planning ahead of 2027.”
