Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday held a private meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), at his hilltop residence in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Atiku explained that his visit to Niger State was aimed at strengthening the organisational framework of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, stressing that the engagement was not connected to any plan to contest the 2027 presidential election.
He said his discussions were centred on growing public demands for real-time electronic transmission of election results, which he noted would significantly reduce disputes and confusion during elections.
“At this point, this is not about me contesting elections. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results,” Atiku said.
He argued that transmitting results electronically would enhance transparency and limit post-election chaos, adding that the current amendment to the Electoral Act deliberately blends electronic and manual processes in a way that creates uncertainty.
“The preference of Nigerians is clear. They want real-time electronic transmission of results. What we have now is a mixture of electronic and manual uploading, which only causes confusion and chaos,” he stated.
The former vice president urged opposition parties to close ranks and resist the Senate’s decision to rely on manual transmission of election results.
“We need all opposition political parties to pursue this issue. We should not allow it to rest the way they want it to rest at the Senate,” he said.
Atiku also disclosed that the ADC is currently concentrating on grassroots mobilisation and reinforcing its structures across the country.
“I am a member of the ADC, and we are working to ensure our structures are firmly rooted from the ward level to local government, state, and national levels. We are mobilising and registering members across the country,” he added.
Although Atiku did not reveal the specific purpose of his visit to General Babangida, he noted that it was not his first interaction with the former military leader.
Governor Seyi Makinde, on his part, declined to address the media. He reportedly remained inside Babangida’s residence after Atiku had departed, with journalists informed that his visit was strictly private and that he would not grant interviews.
Reporters were later asked to leave the premises, although some remained outside to monitor his eventual departure.
Atiku arrived in Minna at about 1:30 p.m. and went straight from the Minna Airport to Babangida’s residence. Makinde arrived later at around 2:10 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after Atiku had left.
The former vice president was accompanied by several ADC leaders and stakeholders, including the party’s Rivers State governorship aspirant, Baba Agaie; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Ben Obi; Senator Ozemina from Edo State; Niger State ADC Chairman Musa Hassan, as well as other party officials.
What you should know
The meeting highlights intensified political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as key actors deny personal ambition.
Atiku’s comments reflect growing opposition pressure for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results, which many believe is critical to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. The ADC appears to be positioning itself through grassroots mobilisation rather than high-profile declarations.
Meanwhile, the involvement of influential figures like Babangida underscores how elder statesmen continue to play behind-the-scenes roles in shaping political alignments and debates on electoral reforms.
