2027: APC not afraid of Obasanjo, Atiku, others meeting – Basiru

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday declared that a possible alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, posed no fear to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said this in an interview 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.