Tinubu Holds Closed-Door Meeting With Abbas, Reps Members at Villa

President Bola Tinubu on Friday met behind closed doors with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and some lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in a meeting that has drawn attention amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting took place shortly after the President and the lawmakers observed Jummah prayers at the State House mosque. It was gathered that the lawmakers accompanied the President after the prayers for the private discussion, which was not part of his official public schedule.

Among those reported at the meeting was the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Usman Kumo, while the identities of other lawmakers present were not immediately confirmed. Details of what was discussed were not made public, but the meeting came at a time of rising conversations around party primaries and lawmakers’ political future.

The development followed a similar meeting earlier in the week between Tinubu and the leadership of the Senate led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. That discussion had sparked reports of concerns among lawmakers over return tickets ahead of the next general elections.

The latest meeting also came shortly after the President met governors of the All Progressives Congress, where issues around party primaries were discussed.

Tinubu was said to have maintained that governors would continue to play leading roles in candidate selection in their states in line with party structures and the Electoral Act.

That position has reportedly raised concerns among some federal lawmakers, especially those with difficult ties to political leaders in their states. With the APC moving toward its primaries and nomination process, political consultations within the party appear to be gathering pace.

Friday’s meeting with House leaders is seen as part of those growing consultations as the President continues engagements with different blocs within the ruling party.