ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended a warm welcome to Chief James Ibori, a prominent chieftain of Nigeria’s main opposition party and former governor of Delta State, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.
Ibori, who served as the governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007, coinciding with Tinubu’s tenure as the governor of Lagos State, arrived at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa at approximately 4:25 pm.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State accompanied Ibori during his visit. Makinde and Wike are key members of the G-5, a group formed during the height of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis leading up to the 2023 elections. This group played a significant role in President Tinubu’s victory in the February 25, 2023 election.
During a previous visit to Rivers State, initiated by Governor Wike, President Tinubu publicly commended the outgoing governor, expressing gratitude for his contribution to his electoral success. Tinubu acknowledged Governor Wike’s dependability and principled stance on the return of the presidency to the South. He praised Wike’s integrity, emphasizing his commitment to national interests, unity, fairness, and justice. Despite facing gossip and speculation, Governor Wike stood firm in his convictions, earning the admiration of President Tinubu.
The meeting between President Tinubu and James Ibori holds significance in the context of the evolving political landscape as Nigeria prepares for the next election cycle. The interactions between leaders from different political parties could have far-reaching implications for political alignments and dynamics in the country.
Further details about the discussions held during the meeting between President Tinubu and James Ibori were not immediately disclosed. However, political analysts are closely monitoring these developments as they may provide insights into potential political realignments and strategies employed by key figures in Nigerian politics.
