FORMER GOVERNORS YAHAYA BELLO, BADARU, AND LALONG MEET SHETTIMA BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AHEAD OF 2027

High-level political consultation unfolds at the Presidential Villa as key All Progressives Congress chieftains engage Vice President Kashim Shettima on party cohesion and strategic planning

Vice President Kashim Shettima has held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong.

The strategic engagement, which took place behind closed doors, brought together key figures of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the North-Central and North-West geopolitical zones.

While official details regarding the specific agenda of the meeting were not formally released by the presidency, insider sources indicate that discussions centered on intra-party harmony, geopolitical alignment, and early strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The presence of former Governor Yahaya Bello alongside serving cabinet members Badaru and Lalong highlights ongoing political realignments and consultations aimed at solidifying the ruling party's administrative stability and electoral footing.

Political analysts observe that high-level consultations involving Northern political leaders have intensified in recent weeks, reflecting efforts to manage party interests, deepen regional consultations, and present a unified front for upcoming electoral contests.

Neither Vice President Shettima nor the visiting party chieftains issued public statements following the conclusion of the closed-door session, with aides describing the gathering as part of routine high-level consultations on national and party matters.