No fewer than 4 presidential hopefuls have consulted with former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida ahead of the 2023 general elections. It goes without saying that the elder statesman wields political influence considering the growing lists of aspirants trooping to his Hill-top Mansion in Minna, Niger State to seek his blessings. Timeline.ng lists politicians that have made such visits.

1. Pius Anyim:

Nigeria’s former senate president, Pius Anyim visited IBB in December 2021 to intimate the latter with his Presidential Ambition. Anyim had on October 30, declared his intention to run for president whether the party zones the ticket to the South-East or not.

2. Bola Tinubu:

The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu was in Minna in January to "receive the prayers” of IBB. The visit came just days after the APC chieftain announced that he had informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his decision to run for president.

3. Abubakar Atiku:

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar held a closed-door meeting with IBB in February 2022. The meeting lasted for about one hour with no disclosure from both sides on the purpose of the visit. Nonetheless, it may not be unconnected to Mr Atiku’s presidential aspiration in 2023. Atiku is yet to publicly signal his intention to run.

4. Sam Ohuanbunwa:

Presidential aspirant on the platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sam Ohuabunwa on Thursday 10th February also held a closed-door meeting with IBB. Recall that Ohuabunwa had on 9th September declared his intention to run for the office of President in 2023, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.