Atiku, Makinde Hold Closed-Door Meeting with IBB in Minna

  By Awwal Umar Kontagora Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde , on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting...

 

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his Uphill Residence in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Atiku said his visit to Niger State was aimed at strengthening the African Democratic Congress (ADC) structures across the state, stressing that the engagement had nothing to do with his alleged ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the visit was centred on the demand by Nigerians for electronic transmission of election results, which he said would significantly reduce confusion and post-election disputes.

“At this point, this is not about me contesting. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results,” Atiku said.

He argued that electronic transmission of results is the preference of Nigerians, noting that the current controversy surrounding amendments to the Electoral Act has created uncertainty.

“The amendment has been mixed up in a way that encourages confusion and chaos,” he said.

Atiku called on all opposition political parties to unite and reject the decision of the Senate to retain manual transmission of election results.

“We need all opposition political parties to pursue this issue. We should not allow it to rest the way the Senate wants it to rest,” he added.

The former Vice President explained that the ADC is currently focused on building strong grassroots structures across the country.

“I am a member of the ADC, and we are busy ensuring that our party structures are firmly rooted—from the ward to the local government, state, and national levels. We are mobilising and registering members simultaneously,” he said.

Although Atiku did not disclose the specific purpose of his meeting with Babangida, he noted that it was not his first visit to the elder statesman. He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a party associated with electoral malpractice.

He further lamented that Nigerians were denied real-time electronic transmission of results during the last general elections.

“During the last elections, Nigerians expected real-time electronic transmission of results at all levels. What we got instead was a mixture of electronic and manual uploading, which created more confusion and chaos,” he said.

According to him, adopting a single-tier, real-time electronic transmission system would align with the expectations of Nigerians and strengthen electoral credibility.

Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde did not address journalists. He reportedly remained inside the residence after Atiku departed, with journalists later informed that the governor was on a private visit and would not speak to the media.

Atiku arrived in Minna at about 1:30 p.m. and proceeded directly from the Minna Airport to Babangida’s residence. Governor Makinde arrived at about 2:10 p.m., approximately 30 minutes after Atiku had left.

Atiku was accompanied by several political associates, including the ADC governorship aspirant for Rivers State, Baba Shehu Agaie; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Ben Obi; Senator Ozemieno from Edo State; the ADC Chairman in Niger State, Musa Hassan, and other party leaders.