Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso held a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Saturday, further fuelling speculations of an emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, confirmed the meeting in a post on his social media platforms, describing it as a “robust discussion on the state of the nation.”

Both politicians were contenders in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku finished second, while Kwankwaso, running under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), secured significant support, particularly in Kano State.

The latest meeting comes amid growing reports that Kwankwaso may be on the verge of defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is at the centre of ongoing coalition efforts aimed at challenging the ruling APC in 2027.

Notably, the Abuja engagement marks the second high-level consultation involving Kwankwaso within 48 hours. The former governor had earlier met with Rauf Aregbesola, a former Osun State governor and current National Secretary of the ADC, who is also considered a key figure in the coalition drive.

The back-to-back meetings have intensified political conversations across party lines, with analysts interpreting them as part of broader efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the next electoral cycle.

While no formal agreements have been announced, the developments signal increasing momentum toward a potential realignment that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape in the lead-up to 2027.