The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stated on Monday that a potential alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would not pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
In an interview (with The Punch), the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, responded to a meeting held by Obasanjo and his former deputy, Atiku, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
Atiku led a prominent delegation that included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and other political leaders to the meeting.
The delegation arrived at Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library precinct, at precisely 12:37 pm. They were welcomed by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
While the specifics of the visit remained unclear at the time of the report, it was speculated that the meeting could be related to Atiku’s ambitions for the 2027 presidential race. In response to questions about his intentions, Atiku stated, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”
The meeting sparked rumors of a potential coalition, with Obasanjo possibly playing a leading role. A source familiar with the discussions confirmed, “Yes, we are trying to see how we can collectively work together to salvage this country ahead of 2027.”
Basiru, however, dismissed the gathering as insignificant, calling it a meeting of “indolent and lazy” politicians. He emphasized that the APC was focused on governing and preparing for the November 8 Anambra State governorship election. Basiru added, “We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full.”
He further downplayed the significance of the meeting, saying, “How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC?”
This is not the first time Atiku has sought to build alliances with opposition figures. In November 2024, he appealed to opposition parties to unite against the APC. Obasanjo had previously endorsed Atiku for the 2019 presidential election.
On the subject of coalitions, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed openness to the idea, provided it aligns with his principles of transparency and good governance. However, the Labour Party stated that forming a coalition was not on their agenda at the moment.
In contrast, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) indicated they would be open to forming an alliance under a credible leader like Obasanjo.