In a development widely interpreted as the precursor to a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, paid separate visits to the “Uphill Mansion” of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retired), on Tuesday.
The visits, though ostensibly private, have ignited significant political discourse, marking a rare intersection of paths for the two leaders since their highly publicised estrangement during the 2023 electoral cycle.
Atiku Abubakar, who has recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the Minna residence during the morning hours. He was accompanied by a high-powered entourage, including Senator Ben Obi and Alhaji Kashim Imam. Following a protracted closed-door session with General Babangida, the former Vice President emerged to address the waiting press.
In a notable contrast of timing, Governor Seyi Makinde arrived at the palatial estate more than an hour after Atiku’s arrival. Despite their presence at the same venue, the Governor was ushered into the residence separately and did not depart alongside Atiku, suggesting that while the destination was shared, their agendas may remain distinct.
The convergence of these two figures is particularly poignant given the internal fractures that defined the PDP’s 2023 campaign. Governor Makinde was a prominent member of the “G5”, a coalition of five then-governors including Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). The group had vehemently opposed Atiku’s presidential candidacy, citing a breach of the party’s internal zoning arrangements and demanding the resignation of the then-National Chairman, who hailed from the North.
Addressing journalists following his meeting, Atiku Abubakar launched a scathing critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Characterising the incumbent administration in uncompromising terms, he described the APC as a “party of forgers and riggers.”
“What do you expect?” Atiku remarked when questioned on the controversy surrounding the recently gazetted Tax Laws. “The APC is, generally speaking, a party of forgers and riggers. They have forged everything from certificates to age limits. That is the very hallmark of the party.”
The former Vice President also expressed profound dissatisfaction with the Senate’s recent amendments to the Electoral Act. He asserted that the Nigerian electorate rightfully expected the “real-time transmission of election results” across all levels of government, rather than the “mixture of electronic and manual transmission” currently proposed.
Turning his attention to his new political platform, the ADC, Atiku clarified that the party does not adhere to a zoning policy. “The ADC does not have zoning in its constitution,” he noted. “The only party that maintains such a provision is the Peoples Democratic Party. At present, we are focused on the robust mobilisation and registration of new members.”
In stark contrast to Atiku’s loquacity, Governor Makinde maintained a strictly diplomatic posture. Upon exiting his private audience with General Babangida, the Governor declined to provide details regarding the nature of the discussions. He characterised the visit as “private” and resisted further enquiries from the media.
As the political landscape begins to shift in anticipation of the next general election, this visit to the “Oracle of Minna” serves as a potent reminder of the enduring influence held by Nigeria’s elder statesmen in brokering power and facilitating reconciliation.
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