President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and several members of the House on Friday.

The engagement took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, signaling another high-level consultation within the ruling party’s hierarchy during a critical political period.

The meeting occurred shortly after the lawmakers joined the President for Jummah prayers at the State House mosque. Although the gathering was not explicitly listed on the President’s official schedule for the day, its occurrence drew significant attention given the intense political climate surrounding the upcoming electoral cycle.

Key participants included the Speaker alongside other prominent lawmakers, such as the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Kumo. While officials close to the event confirmed the meeting took place, the specific agenda remained private, leaving observers to speculate on the nature of the discussions regarding party strategy and legislative coordination.

This encounter follows a similar closed-door meeting held on Wednesday between the President and the leadership of the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. That earlier meeting reportedly centered on the concerns of senators regarding their political future and the upcoming dynamics of the 2027 general elections.

The atmosphere surrounding these visits is heavily influenced by the President’s recent interaction with All Progressives Congress (APC) governors. On Thursday evening, President Tinubu formally ceded the authority to drive primary election processes—whether through direct methods or consensus—to the state governors.

This decision has introduced significant uncertainty among federal lawmakers, particularly those who maintain strained relationships with their respective state governors.

The shift in party power dynamics has created a palpable sense of anxiety within the National Assembly as incumbents weigh their chances for securing a return ticket.

The current situation marks a distinct shift from earlier expectations. While President Tinubu had previously suggested he would utilize the party’s mechanisms to ensure the return of experienced legislators, his recent commitment to defer to state governors has effectively altered the political landscape for many sitting members.

As the party moves forward, the pressure is mounting. With the APC’s House of Representatives primaries scheduled for May 15, 2026, and the sale of nomination forms beginning this Saturday, lawmakers are under increasing urgency to navigate the new political requirements established by the state leadership.