Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting occurred shortly after Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano, claimed that the current federal government is favouring the south in terms of infrastructure and development.

Jibrin, a former member of the house of representatives, spoke to reporters following the meeting and said the conversation centred on national unity and development.

The visit has fueled growing speculation about a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

When asked if the meeting signaled a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jibrin avoided a definitive response, saying “everything is open” and “a possibility”.

“I do not think it is time for that conversation,” he said.

“But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is the stability of the country and its unity. I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”

Jibrin, who maintains strong relationships with both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, described the two as experienced politicians committed to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

“The president is a first-class politician. The national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician,” he said.

“I believe both of them are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Jibrin also responded to Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms, saying that differing opinions should not be exaggerated.

“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full or half empty,” he said.

“But I also believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, and it can always contribute to deepening the discourse.”

The Federal Government has announced plans to create cattle breeding centres in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of its strategy to modernise livestock farming and enhance food security.

The announcement was shared by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, and is part of the Bola Tinubu administration’s broader push to revitalise the agricultural sector.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, revealed the plan during the second day of the Citizens-Government Engagement and Midterm Assessment of the Tinubu administration, held by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.

Abdullahi noted that the cattle breeding centres would operate as modern livestock hubs. He said the initiative would involve collaboration with the ministries of agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The synergy and collaboration of the ministries of agriculture, environment, water resources, livestock development, and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are imperative for delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister stated.

He pointed out that the aim is to transition from traditional livestock methods to a more organised and economically viable model.

This, he explained, would help reduce clashes between herders and farmers, increase meat and dairy output, and support the country’s goal of achieving food sufficiency.

In April, the National Economic Council raised concerns about the current livestock system in Nigeria, labelling it outdated and unsustainable.

The council urged a swift move to adopt modern practices in animal husbandry.

The call came amid a wave of violence in regions such as Plateau, Benue, and Kwara states, where suspected gunmen have claimed numerous lives.

After the meeting, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State briefed State House Correspondents and reiterated NEC’s stance on modernising livestock systems.

Council emphasised the fact that we cannot continue to live in the past, and we must now work towards modernising livestock production in Nigeria, he said.

Daniel Bwala, special adviser on policy communications to President Bola Tinubu, stated that state governors are currently benefiting from a period of financial prosperity under the present administration.

During his appearance on the Channels Television programme ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday, Bwala mentioned that no governor is facing difficulties in paying salaries, unlike in the past.

All the governors in Nigeria are having the best of times, like they are experiencing what we call the oil boom in their history as a country, Bwala said.

Twenty-seven states were once bankrupt, and salaries were not paid. That is not a conversation now.

It is almost like an anathema to talk about people not being paid salaries because such a governor will be looked upon like Lucifer.

There is revenue enough to pay salaries, there is revenue enough to meet the minimum wage, embark on projects, pay debts, and look to the future.

His comments came after Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, remarked that it would be difficult for any Nigerian governor to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Moreover, no president in Nigeria’s history has supported governors and sub-national governments the way President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently doing, the governor said on Tuesday.

As a result, it is unlikely that any governor in Nigeria would go against the president.

Bwala also rejected claims of a strong opposition coalition, arguing that the movement is overblown.

He said only a small number of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) left to lead the coalition, while the party’s governors and national leadership remained.