Atiku meets Kwankwaso: What we know — and what remains unclear

Politics

POLITICS (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), met today with Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

In a statement released on Saturday, Atiku confirmed that he and Kwankwaso held a robust discussion on the state of the nation. 

What we know is that the two heavyweight opposition leaders focused on strategy ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Their talks reportedly touched on possible alliances, party positioning, and how best to counter the ruling party’s dominance, particularly as more state governors continue to defect to the APC. They also explored joint platforms and ways to consolidate their political bases to strengthen opposition momentum.

What remains unclear is whether the meeting delved into sensitive issues such as who should emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer, who might be considered for the vice-presidential slot, and whether power should remain in the South or return to the North in 2027. These questions loom large, especially given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reputation as a shrewd political strategist who never stops spreading his political tentacles, tripling alliances. While the ruling party’s grip will be tested in the next election, the opposition has vowed to mount a formidable challenge and emerge victorious.