Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, paid a private visit on Tuesday to the home of Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, a prominent Kano State-born chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The closed-door meeting, which lasted over an hour, saw both leaders refrain from making any public comments, labeling the discussion a personal matter.
Despite the lack of official statements, sources close to the two men suggest that the visit is part of Obi’s efforts to engage with influential political figures nationwide in preparation for the 2027 presidential elections.
Zaura, who was the APC’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections and serves as the president of the AA Zaura Foundation International, is a significant figure in Kano’s political scene and a respected member of the APC.
His influence in the region, along with Obi’s pursuit of broader political alliances, has fueled speculation about the possible significance of this meeting.
While the details of their conversation remain private, it has sparked curiosity about potential future collaborations.
Prior to the meeting, Obi praised Zaura’s leadership and philanthropic work, particularly through his foundation, which has contributed to alleviating poverty in northern Nigeria.
He also commended Zaura for his focus on empowering people with a production mindset, an initiative he believes will have a long-lasting positive impact on Nigeria.
In turn, Zaura expressed his admiration for Obi’s consistent stance on national issues, highlighting his dedication to creating a more self-reliant and prosperous Nigeria.