President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, according to a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, focused on security and development issues in the state.
Mohammed said the discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and Yobe State, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and security.
He added that the President commended the duo for their roles in maintaining stability in the state and reiterated the Federal Government’s support for subnational efforts to improve living standards in the North-East.
However, sources familiar with the meeting said political succession ahead of the 2027 governorship election also featured in the discussions.
Buni is expected to complete his second term in office in 2027.
Although there was no official confirmation on succession talks, the presence of Geidam, a former governor of the state, has fuelled speculations about ongoing consultations within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Political observers note that such meetings are not unusual as political actors begin early alignments ahead of election cycles.
Meanwhile, several aspirants are said to be positioning themselves for the governorship race.
Among those being mentioned in political circles are Senator Ibrahim Bomai; a former Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Senator Musa Mustapha; former Senate President Ahmed Lawan; and the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Wali.
Others include Kashim Tumsah, who is said to be attracting support from youth groups.
As political activities gather momentum, stakeholders are expected to intensify consultations in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
The PUNCH