2027: Tinubu meets Akpabio, Doguwa, others as presidential campaigns begin today

President Bola Tinubu convened private discussions with high-ranking political figures and government officials at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, just prior to the official start of campaigning for the 2027 general election, announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Among those present was the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who arrived at the presidential office' forecourt at 6:12 pm in his official S-Class Mercedes.

Other attendees included Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, a representative for Kano State's Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, and Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Doguwa had previously attended the National Peace Committee's peace accord signing in Abuja.

Tinubu also met with the EFCC boss after a row over seized houses in Osun. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, was also spotted at the Villa around the same time, possibly in anticipation of the Federal Executive Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The details of the meetings' agendas were not disclosed, as none of the officials spoke to journalists.

This flurry of activities precedes the official commencement of political campaigns on August 19, 2026, as announced by INEC.