The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the significance of a meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, asserting that such an alliance poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.
On Monday, Atiku led a delegation including former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Liyel Imoke to meet Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The purpose of the visit remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, but speculation suggests it could be linked to Atiku’s political ambitions for 2027. When questioned about the nature of the meeting, Atiku responded, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”
- However, a source close to the discussions hinted at a broader agenda, stating, “Yes, we are trying to see how we can collectively work together to salvage this country ahead of 2027.”
Atiku, Tambuwal, Others Meet Obasanjo in his home in Abeokuta
National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the political gathering as inconsequential during an interview with The PUNCH. He labeled the participants as “indolent and lazy” politicians, focusing instead on the APC’s strategy for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State on November 8.
“We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party,” Basiru stated. “We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full. We are personally concentrating on how to win and bring Anambra on board for the APC. So, we don’t have time for talks on any political meetings. We also have a responsibility to run the government.”
He further remarked, “They (Atiku and Obasanjo) are indolent; they don’t have anything to do. So, they can meet any day, any time. Our government is concentrating on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We don’t have an issue with some indolent people meeting anybody they want to meet.”
Basiru also questioned how an alliance of “people who are in disarray” could threaten a “solid political party like the APC,” highlighting the party’s focus and stability.
This isn’t the first instance of Atiku rallying opposition figures; in November 2024, he appealed to opposition parties to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state under APC. Previously, Obasanjo endorsed Atiku for the 2019 elections, expressing confidence in his ability to address the nation’s economic woes, although Atiku did not succeed in that election.
Despite these political maneuvers, the APC appears confident and undeterred, focusing on governance and upcoming electoral challenges rather than potential opposition alliances.