President Bola Tinubu on Friday held a series of closed-door meetings at the Presidential Villa with top political and security figures, sparking speculation over the agenda amid rising political tensions.
Among those who met with the President were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting comes days after reports emerged that former Kaduna State governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nasir El-Rufai, was nearly detained at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo.
Airport Incident Fuels Speculation
Security operatives reportedly attempted to detain El-Rufai shortly after his arrival on Thursday. Sources close to the former governor alleged that the move was made without a formal warrant or prior invitation, describing it as a breach of due process.
It was further claimed that his international passport was temporarily seized during the encounter — an allegation yet to be officially confirmed by the relevant agencies.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration since he was dropped as a ministerial nominee. He has also pledged to work with opposition forces to prevent the President’s re-election bid.
While it remains unclear whether the airport episode featured in Friday’s deliberations, the timing of the high-level meeting has heightened public interest.
Other Key Meetings
The President also met with Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia; and the Chief Executive Officer of God is Good Motors, Chidi Ajaere.
Governor AbdulRazaq was seen leaving the Villa alongside the NSA, while Governor Alia declined to speak with journalists after his meeting.
As of press time, the Presidency had not issued any official statement clarifying the agenda or outcome of the consultations.
The developments underscore the growing political undercurrents ahead of the next electoral cycle, as key actors reposition within Nigeria’s evolving power landscape.
