Power Game Unmasked: Tinubu–Otti Meeting Exposes New Negotiation To Free Nnamdi Kanu
By Passman Akpos
A surprise meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Tuesday has intensified public speculation over renewed efforts to secure the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, comes amidst growing political pressure from the South-East and increasing calls for a political solution to Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Although the Presidency has not officially confirmed that the talks centred on Nnamdi Kanu, senior government sources described the engagement as part of “ongoing consultations” on national security and peacebuilding efforts.
However, across social media, Nigerians wasted no time turning the development into a trending national debate, with many expressing disbelief, excitement, humour and outright confusion about who actually visited who.
Online Reactions: ‘Who Meet Who?’
The meeting set off a wave of dramatic interpretations online, with many insisting that the political dynamics of the moment were a “plot twist worthy of an Oscar.”
Some users poked fun at the grammar wars triggered by the announcement:
“Did Tinubu meet Otti or Otti meet Tinubu? Which English correct now?”
“Whether Papa meet Son or Son meet Papa, as long as dem meet—case closed!”
Others joked about political strategy:
“BAT will tell him to join APC before they release MNK—100% political bargaining!”
“I’m trying to think like a politician… send him to jail first, then negotiate for favour later.”
The meeting also sparked humorous exaggerations after news broke that Governor Otti’s advance convoy was attacked in Imo earlier in the day:
“Short people dey move like spirit—few hours ago convoy attacked, now he don reach Abuja!”
Another trending comment added:
“If Mohammed no go mountain, mountain go meet Mohammed. Presidency don enter negotiation mode!”
Rising Optimism Over Kanu’s Fate
Despite the banter, many supporters of Nnamdi Kanu remain hopeful that the renewed engagement could mark a turning point.
One commenter wrote:
“I definitely know he will be released. Less than five years in custody—the system can’t hold him forever.”
While no official statement has confirmed any deal or negotiation, analysts note that the Tinubu administration has recently shown openness to dialogue on sensitive national issues.
What Next?
As the country waits for a clear statement from the Presidency or the Abia State Government, the only confirmed fact for now is that President Tinubu and Governor Otti did meet in Abuja—and Nigerians are using the moment to lighten up the national mood with jokes, politics, and grammar lessons.
For now, all eyes remain on Aso Rock to see whether the discussions will lead to a decisive move concerning Nnamdi Kanu’s long-running legal and political saga.
