Daud Olatunji
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday held a high-profile closed-door meeting with three other elder statesmen at the hilltop residence of former military president, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in Minna, Niger State.
The private meeting, which lasted for about an hour, has sparked widespread speculation about discussions on pressing national issues, particularly Nigeria’s worsening economic challenges.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Obasanjo arrived in Minna after attending the 90th birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, in Benin City.
Upon his arrival in Niger State, he was received by Babangida at his residence, where former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar and former National Security Adviser General Aliyu Gusau were also present.
The four elder statesmen, all retired generals, convened for the meeting, which many believe may have centered around Nigeria’s current political and economic crisis.
Although details of the discussion were not disclosed, the gathering of such influential figures has raised eyebrows, with political observers suggesting that it could signal an effort to address the escalating national challenges, particularly with the ongoing hardship faced by many Nigerians due to soaring inflation, fuel prices, and insecurity.
Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed the former president’s visit to Minna in a statement titled “Obasanjo Celebrates IBB, Igbinedion on Birthdays.”
According to Akinyemi, the visit was part of Obasanjo’s efforts to felicitate with both Babangida and Igbinedion on their recent birthdays.
He, however, did not confirm whether the meeting had any political undertones.
In his statement, Akinyemi explained that Obasanjo was unable to attend Babangida’s 83rd birthday celebration in August due to his engagements outside the country but used the opportunity to meet with him during his trip to Minna.
“The former president proceeded to Minna in Niger State to visit President Ibrahim Babangida, who celebrated his 83rd birthday on August 17.
President Obasanjo noted the contributions of President Babangida and celebrated his good health,” the statement read.
Earlier in Benin City, Obasanjo had joined a thanksgiving mass in honor of Chief Igbinedion, commending the Esama for his lasting legacy and influence within and beyond the Benin Kingdom.
“His legacy in history is assured,” Obasanjo remarked while congratulating the nonagenarian.
Despite the cordial nature of the birthday visit, the convergence of Obasanjo, Babangida, Abdulsalami, and Gusau—figures who have played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape—raises significant questions about the purpose and implications of the meeting.
Analysts argue that such high-level consultations among former leaders are often linked to addressing critical national issues, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces multiple governance and economic crises.
Efforts to reach Akinyemi for further clarification on the political nature of the meeting proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
However, with Nigeria’s 2027 general elections on the horizon and growing calls for national unity, the meeting may signal behind-the-scenes efforts to steer the country through its turbulent times.
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