President-elect Bola Tinubu reportedly extended ministerial position options to former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, during their meeting on Tuesday in France.
The purpose of the meeting, held in Paris, was to strengthen ties and seek support from Kwankwaso and former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
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Sources familiar with the outcome of the meeting revealed that Tinubu offered Kwankwaso the choice between the Ministry of Agriculture or Education, Daily Trust reports.
The decision regarding Kwankwaso’s acceptance or potential delegation of the ministerial slot to one of his loyalists remains unknown.
Notable attendees at the meeting included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, and Sen Oluremi Tinubu.
The source said, “He told the NNPP leader to choose between the Ministry of Agriculture and that of Education.
“It is not clear whether Kwankwaso will accept to serve as a minister in the event they sealed the partnership or he will give the slot to one of his loyalists.
“The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila. Kwankwaso was accompanied to the meeting by member-elect from Kano, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin.”
Discussions centered around their longstanding friendship, national unity, development priorities, National Assembly contests, and Tinubu’s plans for a government of national unity, which Kwankwaso expressed interest in joining.
Moreover, Tinubu hinted at the possibility of reconciling the strained relationship between outgoing Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Kwankwaso, particularly following Ganduje’s succession.
It is believed that Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election, despite Kwankwaso winning Kano State, highlights the strategic importance of maintaining positive relations in the North West region, where Tinubu garnered over 30% of his total votes.
While the details of the meeting between Kwankwaso and former Emir Sanusi remain undisclosed, it is believed to be connected to recent political developments in Kano.
Speculation suggests that Governor-elect Abba Yusuf may revisit Sanusi’s dethronement as Emir of Kano. Kwankwaso played a pivotal role in Sanusi’s appointment as Emir of Kano, solidifying their longstanding relationship.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria in preparation for his inauguration on May 29, although the date is yet to be disclosed.