by Zainab Imam
Former President on Monday paid a private visit to former military president at his hilltop residence in Minna, the Niger State capital, triggering renewed political speculation ahead of the 2027 general election.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was held away from the public eye, with no official statement issued by either camp on the purpose of the visit. Obasanjo reportedly arrived in Minna via the airport and was received by aides before proceeding directly to Babangida’s residence.
Although details of the discussion remain undisclosed, the timing of the meeting has fuelled intense political debate, coming amid early manoeuvring and alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Both Obasanjo and Babangida, though no longer in active partisan politics, are widely regarded as powerful elder statesmen whose interventions and consultations often shape elite political calculations.
Political observers note that Obasanjo has in recent weeks held a series of high-profile meetings with political actors across party lines, including opposition figures, civil society leaders and elder statesmen. These engagements have been interpreted by analysts as part of broader behind-the-scenes consultations on Nigeria’s political direction, governance challenges and succession politics.
Similarly, Babangida’s Minna residence has historically served as a hub for quiet political consultations, especially during transition periods. Several prominent politicians seeking national office have reportedly paid courtesy visits to him in recent months, further amplifying speculation that influential power brokers are already weighing options for 2027.
While there is no confirmation that Obasanjo’s visit was directly linked to election strategies, the meeting has nonetheless reignited discussions about possible realignments, consensus-building efforts or interventions aimed at shaping the post-2023 political landscape.
For now, both camps have maintained silence, leaving Nigerians to read between the lines as the country inches closer to another high-stakes electoral cycle.