President Tinubu Welcomes 1999 Governors For Historic Reunion At Aso Villa.
On Friday, 25 July 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted a significant gathering of former Nigerian governors from the 1999 class at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation, led by former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion and former Delta State Governor James Ibori, marked a nostalgic reunion of key figures who shaped Nigeria’s Fourth Republic at the dawn of its return to democratic rule in 1999.
The closed-door meeting, held at the State House, brought together prominent former governors, including Jolly Nyame of Taraba, Adamu Muazu of Bauchi, Joshua Dariye of Plateau, Boni Haruna of Adamawa, Donald Duke of Cross River, and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi, among others. Notably absent was former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili. The gathering was confirmed by the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who shared details of the event via his X handle.
President Tinubu, himself a member of the 1999 cohort as the former Governor of Lagos State (1999–2007), warmly received his erstwhile colleagues. The meeting is believed to have focused on reviving old political ties, discussing national unity, and exploring ways these influential leaders could contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing democratic development. Sources suggest the reunion also served as part of Tinubu’s broader consultations with key political stakeholders, possibly in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The 1999 class of governors holds a special place in Nigeria’s political history, having assumed office at the onset of the Fourth Republic following years of military rule. Their tenure laid critical foundations for the country’s democratic institutions, with many of them, including Tinubu, credited for transformative governance in their respective states. For instance, Tinubu’s time as Lagos Governor saw significant improvements in infrastructure and revenue generation, setting a benchmark for urban development in Nigeria.
While specific details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the reunion sparked varied reactions online. Some Nigerians celebrated the nostalgic gathering, with posts on X referring to it as an “Old Boys Association” reunion, while others speculated about its political undertones. The event follows a series of high-profile engagements by President Tinubu, including a meeting with APC governors and a separate visit from former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni, accompanied by current Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, just a day prior.
The reunion underscores Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to consolidate political alliances and draw on the experience of seasoned leaders to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including economic instability and grassroots dissatisfaction with governance. During a recent address to APC governors, Tinubu urged them to “wet the grass more,” emphasising the need for greater developmental impact at the community level to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
As Nigeria navigates a complex political and economic landscape, this gathering of the 1999 governors signals a moment of reflection on the country’s democratic journey and a strategic effort to harness the wisdom of its past leaders for a more unified future.
