Why Tinubu And Kwankwaso Met In France

President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had a meeting with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), in France. 

“The President-elect and Senator Kwankwaso met for over 4 hours behind closed doors in Paris on Monday. The meeting which started at about 12.30 pm ended at about 4.45 pm.”

According to reports, the duo met in Paris to discuss issues around the election of the legislative leaders ahead of the 13th of June inauguration of the 10th national assembly. 

Newsmen report that the discussions were centered around their long-term friendship since their days in the National Assembly in 1992, national unity and development, priorities for the new government, national assembly contests and the plan by the President-elect for a government of national unity which Kwankwaso has in principle accepted to join.”

Tinubu’s wife, Sen Oluremi Tinubu was also there to receive Kwankwaso’s wife Hajiya Salamatu, who came with her husband. Moreso, Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila was in attendance while an NNPP rep-elect and former leader of a Tinubu campaign organisation accompanied Kwankwaso. 

Earlier, it was reported that Tinubu jetted out of Nigeria on the 10th of May, to finalise his transition plans in Europe.

Tinubu tells Kwankwaso to unite with his political associates

The president-elect reportedly told Kwankwaso to reach out to his political associates on the need to work together. They also agreed to hold subsequent meetings. 

Reports suggest that Tinubu is expected to brief Kashim Shettima, the vice-president elect, APC governors forum and other party leaders while Kwankwaso will do the same with his party leadership.

Tinubu also hinted at reconciling Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and Senator Kwankwaso. Ganduje succeeded Kwankwso in 2015, but the duo fell apart shortly after.