President-Elect Tinubu, Ex-British PM Tony Blair Conduct ‘Crucial Diplomatic Meeting’ Ahead Of Inauguration

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday visited President-elect Bola Tinubu ahead of the swearing in ceremony on May 29 to discuss "areas of mutual interest."

The president-elect shared a series of photos on Twitter on Tuesday, featuring him and Blair at the Defence House in Abuja.

"I received former British Prime Minister and founder Tony Blair Institute for Good Governance, Mr. Tony Blair, at the Defence House, Abuja, earlier today," he wrote. "We discussed areas of mutual interests and how Nigeria can continue to benefit from the amazing work of the Institute."

A source close to Tinubu confirmed the two had a "crucial diplomatic meeting."

"I don't have all the details yet. But I believe it has to do with fostering a bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom," the source said, Punch reported. "I hope you are aware that the US Secretary also called Asiwaju (Tinubu) last week."

Last week, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a 20-minute telephone conversation with Tinubu, where they discussed strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

The official website of the U.S. State Department shared that they discussed "the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth."

However, the U.S. government announced last week they've imposed a visa ban on specific Nigerians for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria's 2023 elections cycle.

Tinubu had left Nigeria ahead of his presidential inauguration, and after spending almost 10 days in Europe, returned to Nigeria on May 20.

The president-elect has been making headlines since his victory, including being challenged in the court by Labour Party's Peter Obi. The Supreme Court will pass judgment on Friday on PDP's suit, which demands Tinubu's disqualification as president and stopping his swearing-in ceremony.

In the petition, Obi mentioned that the election was not fair and there were several irregularities, including Tinubu's non-qualification for the presidential election run, due to his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking.

As the court case verdict and swearing-in ceremony draws closer, Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, Usman Baba, has warned dissident groups that if anyone plans to disrupt the inauguration process, they will be "identified, promptly isolated, and brought to justice."