Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), at his hilltop residence in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Atiku said his visit to Niger State was aimed at strengthening the structures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, stressing that it had nothing to do with contesting the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, his engagement focused on the growing demand by Nigerians for real-time electronic transmission of election results, which he said would reduce confusion and minimise electoral disputes.

“At this point, this is not about me contesting elections. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results,” Atiku said.

He explained that electronic transmission would enhance transparency and reduce chaos during elections, adding that the controversial amendment to the Electoral Act deliberately combined electronic and manual processes, thereby creating avoidable confusion.

“The preference of Nigerians is clear. They want real-time electronic transmission of results. What we have now is a mixture of electronic and manual uploading, which only causes confusion and chaos,” he stated.

Atiku called on opposition parties to unite and reject the Senate’s decision to opt solely for manual transmission of election results.

“We need all opposition political parties to pursue this issue. We should not allow it to rest the way they want it to rest at the Senate,” he said.

He disclosed that, as a member of the ADC, the party was intensifying grassroots mobilisation and strengthening its structures nationwide.

“I am a member of the ADC, and we are working to ensure our structures are firmly rooted from the ward level to local government, state, and national levels. We are mobilising and registering members across the country,” he added.

Although Atiku did not disclose the specific reason for his visit to Gen. Babangida, he noted that it was not his first meeting with the elder statesman.

On his part, Gov. Makinde declined to speak with journalists. He reportedly remained inside the inner chamber of Babangida’s residence after Atiku’s departure, and reporters were informed that the governor was on a private visit and would not grant any interview.

Journalists were subsequently asked to leave the premises, though some waited outside to observe his departure.

Atiku arrived in Minna at about 1:30 p.m. and proceeded directly from the airport to Babangida’s residence. Gov. Makinde arrived later at about 2:10 p.m., approximately 30 minutes after Atiku had departed.

Atiku was accompanied by several ADC leaders and stakeholders, including the party’s governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Mr. Baba Agaie; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Sen. Ben Obi; Sen. Ozemina of Edo State; Niger State ADC Chairman, Mr. Musa Hassan; and other officials.