Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has clarified the reason behind his visit to ex-Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) in Minna, Niger State, on Sunday. Obasanjo, who arrived in Minna for a private meeting, stated that his visit was to celebrate Babangida’s 83rd birthday, which took place on August 17.
Obasanjo’s visit attracted attention as he was accompanied by two other prominent figures, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State, and General Aliyu Gusau. The four elder statesmen held a closed-door meeting at Babangida’s Hill Top residence, which lasted about an hour.
According to reports, Obasanjo landed at Minna International Airport in a chartered aircraft, arriving at around 4:30 p.m. He was then driven directly to Babangida’s residence, where he joined Abdulsalami and Gusau for the private discussions. The meeting ended at around 6:20 p.m., after which Obasanjo departed Minna.
A source familiar with the visit hinted that the meeting could have involved discussions about Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges, though no official details were provided.
“The meeting might not be unconnected with national issues, especially the current hardship being faced by Nigerians,” the source said, but emphasized that the exact topics discussed remain confidential.
In response to speculation, Obasanjo issued a statement through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, explaining that his visit was primarily to felicitate with Babangida on his birthday. He admitted that due to his busy schedule abroad, he had been unable to visit IBB during his birthday in August.
Obasanjo said in the statement, “I visited President Ibrahim Babangida today to celebrate his 83rd birthday, which was on August 17. I couldn’t visit him earlier because of my busy schedules outside the country. I prayed for his continued good health.”
Before his visit to Minna, Obasanjo had also traveled to Benin City, Edo State, earlier that day to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. His visit to Minna followed the celebrations in Benin, underscoring his commitment to honoring Nigeria’s elder statesmen.
The meeting between these four influential leaders has sparked curiosity, as the gathering of such political heavyweights often hints at discussions about national affairs. However, Obasanjo’s official statement framed the visit as a social one, focused on extending birthday greetings to Babangida.
With Nigeria facing economic challenges and rising public concerns, meetings between leaders like Obasanjo, Babangida, and Abdulsalami are closely watched for any potential insights into discussions around national issues.