On Friday 26 September 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu engaged in a notable public meeting with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alongside Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibikunle Amosun all former state governors during a traditional ceremony in Ibadan Oyo State The interaction which was captured in a short video clip shared on social media has fueled speculation about its symbolic and political meaning especially given Kwankwaso’s prior opposition to Tinubu .
Event Setting and Participants
The Coronation of the Olubadan
The meeting took place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan The event drew numerous dignitaries traditional rulers and political heavyweights creating a platform for interactions and photo opportunities .
Who Was Present
The gathering brought together high profile figures from Nigerias political scene President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the sitting president of Nigeria and former governor of Lagos State was joined by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former two term governor of Kano State and a key opposition figure Also present were Olagunsoye Oyinlola the former governor of Osun State and Ibikunle Amosun the former governor of Ogun State .
In the video Tinubu and the former governors exchanged pleasantries and handshakes an act laden with symbolic importance in Nigerias competitive political environment .
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Significance and Context
Political Undertones
The image of Tinubu meeting Kwankwaso was particularly striking given that Kwankwaso had contested against him in the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party banner where he secured only a fraction of the votes Their encounter has raised speculation about the possibility of rapprochement a new alliance or at the very least a gesture of political courtesy While the meeting was framed as ceremonial it carried a deeper message of inclusivity and possible realignments ahead of future elections .
Denials of Reconciliation Moves
Earlier in the day rumors circulated that Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had submitted a letter seeking to return to the ruling All Progressives Congress Kwankwaso publicly denied the claims describing them as false and urged the public to rely only on official channels of his party the NNPP for accurate information .
Economic Messaging Amid Political Gesture
During the coronation President Tinubu addressed the crowd and spoke about Nigerias current economic challenges He likened the hardship to the pain of a surgical operation explaining that the economy was undergoing a necessary healing process and showing signs of recovery This message highlighted the dual role of the gathering as both a cultural celebration and a platform for political communication .
Reactions and Implications
Public and Media Reactions
The video of the encounter quickly circulated online drawing the attention of political watchers and citizens Some observers saw the meeting as a tactical move aimed at building bridges while others dismissed it as a simple act of courtesy expected at high profile traditional ceremonies .
Possible Interpretations
Different interpretations have emerged about the meaning of the encounter For some it could signal a softening of rivalry and a willingness to engage across old political divides For Tinubu the handshake projected the image of a magnanimous leader Others believe the meeting may have been a way to test the waters for future political alliances particularly as the 2027 elections approach On the other hand it may also be viewed as a purely ceremonial gesture without deeper political significance .
Questions That Remain
The meeting has left Nigerians with several unanswered questions Will this interaction lead to formal dialogue or negotiations between Tinubu’s APC and Kwankwaso’s NNPP Does this camaraderie foreshadow a defection merger or alliance in the near future And how will party loyalists and the wider electorate interpret and respond to the display .
Conclusion
The meeting between President Tinubu and former governors Kwankwaso Oyinlola and Amosun at the coronation of the Olubadan was more than a casual exchange of greetings In Nigerias politically charged atmosphere even simple gestures are seen as signals with possible ripple effects Though the interaction seemed courteous and symbolic its broader implications for party dynamics political alliances and public perception may continue to unfold in the months ahead .