The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday declared that a possible alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, posed no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said this in an interview with The PUNCH while commenting on a meeting held by Obasanjo and his erstwhile deputy, Atiku, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday.
Atiku led a high-powered delegation, which included former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, and other political stalwarts to the meeting.
The delegation, which arrived at Obasanjo’s Abeokuta residence located within the precinct of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at exactly 12.37pm, was received by elder statesman, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
Though details of the visit could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the meeting might not be unconnected with Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition.
When asked whether the meeting was related to his 2027 presidential ambition, Atiku said, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”
But the politicians visit sparked rumours of a possible coalition with the former President as the arrowhead.
The speculation was further confirmed by a source privy to the discussion, who stated, “Yes, we are trying to see how we can collectively work together to salvage this country ahead of 2027.”
But commenting on the parley, Basiru described it as the gathering of “indolent and lazy” politicians.
While saying the ruling party had a government to run, the APC national secretary emphasised that they were busy strategising on how to win the November 8 governorship poll in Anambra State.
He said, “We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. 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.
“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.”
On whether they don’t see the gathering of political bigwigs as a threat, Basiru dismissed it as non-issue.
“How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC? We are talking about a party that is not embedded in any crisis and has high-calibre people who can win elections.
“So we are not worried. We are concentrating on winning the Anambra governorship election on November 8. That’s where our concentration lies for now.”
This is not the first time Atiku would be rallying opposition figures for talks on alliance and possible coalition.
In November 2024, he made a similar appeal to opposition parties in the country, warning that Nigerians could not afford to allow the APC to turn the country into a one-party state.
On his part, Obasanjo had previously endorsed Atiku, who was Vice President to Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, for the 2019 general elections.
He said he was willing to work with the former vice president to realise his presidential ambition and take the nation out of its biting economic challenges.
The former President said he was convinced that Atiku could perform better than the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
But despite the endorsement, Atiku lost the poll as Buhari was re-elected for a second term in office.
The PUNCH reported two weeks ago that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, said he wasn’t opposed to the idea of a vibrant coalition.
Obi, however, warned that he would not endorse any coalition if the motive was restricted to mere power-grabbing.
The former Anambra governor spoke on the sideline of a two-day national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, themed; ‘Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,’ held penultimate Monday in Abuja.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, assured that his principal’s primary focus remained on promoting the welfare and interests of the Nigerian people.
Umar reiterated that the former Anambra governor believed in the importance of collaborative efforts to address the country’s challenges
He said, “While we appreciate the efforts of various stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo in promoting national unity and progress, our participation in any coalition would depend on its alignment with our values and vision for a better Nigeria.
“We believe in the importance of collaborative efforts to address the country’s challenges. But any such collaboration must be grounded in a shared commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“Our principal’s decision to support or participate in any coalition would be guided by these principles and a careful evaluation of the coalition’s objectives and values.”
Obi’s political platform, the Labour Party, however, disagreed with his position.
The National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, said the idea of a coalition, whether led by Obasanjo or other political figures, was not on their radar.
He said, “As I told you earlier, nobody has approached us. Labour Party has no agenda for a coalition. Even if we are going to do it, it is not going to be a unilateral decision. All the stakeholders in the party will have to agree through NEC. Our party is a very big one. That discussion is not on our table for now.”
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it is open to an alliance or collaboration led by a credible leader like Obasanjo.
The NNPP spokesman, Ladipo Johnson, mentioned that such a collaboration would witness the amalgamation of people of like minds.
“We are open to any meaningful coalition that would bring hope to Nigerians. By God’s Grace, we will have lìke-minded people in the same team. That is what building a coalition is about, and Obasanjo is a patriot and revered elder statesman,” he stated. – Punch.
