By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde held a closed-door meeting with former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.) on Tuesday at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Atiku said his visit was focused on strengthening the structures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Niger State, stressing that it was not related to the 2027 presidential election.
“At this point, this is not about me contesting elections. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results,” he said. Atiku added that real-time electronic transmission would enhance transparency and reduce confusion, criticizing the Electoral Act amendment for mixing electronic and manual processes.
“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.
Atiku urged all opposition parties to unite against the Senate’s decision to allow only manual transmission of election results.
He also highlighted the ADC’s current focus on grassroots mobilisation and strengthening party structures nationwide. “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,” Atiku said.
Although he did not disclose the specific purpose of meeting Babangida, Atiku noted it was not his first visit to the former president.
Governor Makinde, who arrived later, declined to speak with journalists and reportedly remained inside Babangida’s residence after Atiku left. Reporters were asked to leave the premises.
Atiku arrived in Minna at around 1:30 p.m., proceeding directly from Minna Airport to Babangida’s residence. Makinde arrived at about 2:10 p.m., approximately 30 minutes after Atiku departed.
Atiku was accompanied by several ADC leaders and stakeholders, including Rivers State governorship aspirant Baba Agaie, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senators Ben Obi and Ozemina, Niger State ADC Chairman Musa Hassan, and other party officials.
