The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the recent visit by former presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex- Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and other political figures to the Abeokuta, Ogun State home of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, as inconsequential in terms of challenging the APC’s hold on power in the upcoming 2027 elections.
The visit, which took place over the weekend, raised eyebrows as it was widely speculated to be a strategic meeting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although the specifics of their discussions remain confidential, sources close to the leaders indicated that the gathering was part of a broader effort to explore alternatives to the ruling APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In recent weeks, the debate surrounding the 2027 elections has intensified. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, sparked a debate when he called for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031, the end of Tinubu’s second term. The opposition, however, has repeatedly rejected this idea, vowing to unseat the APC in 2027.
Kwankwaso, a significant political force in Kano State, and Duke, a former presidential aspirant in 2007, met with Obasanjo, who has been vocal in his criticism of Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding allegations of corruption and Nigeria’s growing debt burden. Obasanjo has also been actively engaging various political figures, seeking alternatives to the ruling party.
In a post-meeting statement, Kwankwaso confirmed the visit, stating, “I was pleased to be in the company of my friend, His Excellency Donald Duke, and other associates to pay a courtesy call on former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta. Deliberations on significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria, defined the conversation. We are grateful to Baba for his warm reception, support, and hospitality.”
However, the APC quickly downplayed the significance of the meeting. National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the opposition’s efforts to challenge the APC’s dominance. He emphasised that President Tinubu’s political stature had surpassed that of the opposition figures, including Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Duke, and others.
“I hold Obasanjo in high esteem, but when it comes to the politics of Nigeria, particularly contemporary politics, Tinubu is not their mate. Tinubu is head and shoulders above them,” Ibrahim stated in an interview with The PUNCH.
He pointed out that the individuals involved in the meeting had already been defeated in previous elections, including Obasanjo’s support for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and Peter Obi in 2023, both of whom were bested by Tinubu.
Ibrahim concluded, “They can have marathon meetings and meet till the end of time, but they will not present any threat to the government of APC. These are people who were trashed in the last election. If they are bringing angels, it’s a different story. But if it is these same spent forces, their meeting cannot bring any good outcome.”
With the opposition preparing for what promises to be a heated political battle ahead of 2027, the APC remains confident in its strength under President Tinubu’s leadership.
