APC Dismisses Obasanjo-Atiku Meeting as Politicians Push for Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

APC Dismisses Obasanjo-Atiku Meeting as Politicians Discuss 2027 Election Alliances

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brushed off concerns over a potential political alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The APC insists that such discussions pose no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The APC’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made these remarks in an interview with The PUNCH, reacting to the meeting between Obasanjo and Atiku, which took place on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Atiku, accompanied by several high-profile political figures including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and ex-Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, visited Obasanjo at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. While the specifics of their meeting remain unclear, speculation suggests it could be linked to Atiku’s aspirations for the 2027 election. Atiku, however, downplayed such rumors, insisting that his visit was a courtesy call and not a political discussion.

Sources close to the meeting, however, revealed that it was part of broader efforts to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, with one insider noting that the aim was to work together for the country’s betterment.

In response, Senator Basiru dismissed the gathering as inconsequential, calling the involved politicians “indolent and lazy.” He emphasized that the APC remains focused on governance and its upcoming strategy for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State.

“We don’t react to other people’s activities. We are focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Their meeting doesn’t concern us,” Basiru stated. He also pointed out that such alliances would be ineffective, as the APC is a solid, unified party, unlike the fragmented opposition.

Atiku has previously expressed the need for opposition alliances, warning against a one-party political landscape in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also expressed openness to coalition discussions but emphasized that such alliances should prioritize national interest over mere power.

Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, reiterated that any coalition must align with the Labour Party’s values of transparency, accountability, and good governance. However, the Labour Party distanced itself from any official coalition talks, with National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh clarifying that no such discussions had taken place within the party.

On the other hand, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) welcomed the possibility of a coalition led by credible figures like Obasanjo. Spokesman Ladipo Johnson stated that the party would be open to a coalition that could offer renewed hope for Nigerians.

As political maneuvers continue in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, the APC remains steadfast in its focus on securing key victories, including the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

APC-Atiku and obasanjo