February 11, 2025 – The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that a potential alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, poses no risk to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, made this assertion in an interview with The PUNCH, referring to a recent meeting held by Obasanjo and Atiku in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Atiku was accompanied by a high-profile delegation that included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke.
The delegation arrived at Obasanjo’s residence near the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at 12:37 PM, where they were welcomed by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe. Although the specifics of the meeting remain unclear, it is believed to be related to Atiku’s ambitions for the 2027 presidential race.
When questioned about the political implications of the meeting, Atiku described his visit as a courtesy call, downplaying its significance. However, speculation regarding a potential coalition with Obasanjo at the forefront has circulated, with an insider confirming discussions aimed at collaborating to address national issues ahead of 2027.
Basiru, commenting on the gathering, characterized it as a meeting of “indolent and lazy” politicians. He emphasized that the APC is focused on governance and is strategizing for the upcoming November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. He stated, “We don’t react to other people’s actions as a political party. Our priorities are clear, and we are dedicated to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
He dismissed the meeting between Atiku and Obasanjo as inconsequential, arguing that disarray among opposition figures does not pose a threat to a robust party like the APC. “We are not concerned about their gatherings. We are concentrating on winning the Anambra governorship election,” he added.
This is not the first instance of Atiku seeking discussions with opposition figures regarding alliances. In November 2024, he similarly urged opposition parties to unite against the APC, cautioning against allowing the party to dominate the political landscape.
Obasanjo has previously endorsed Atiku, who served as his Vice President from 1999 to 2007, for the 2019 elections, expressing confidence that Atiku could perform better than the Buhari administration. Despite this endorsement, Atiku ultimately lost the election.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed openness to the idea of a vibrant coalition but emphasized that any collaboration must not be solely about power acquisition. Obi’s media aide reiterated that their focus remains on promoting the welfare of Nigerians, and any coalition must align with their principles of transparency and good governance.
In contrast, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, clarified that the party has no current plans for coalition discussions. He stated that any decision regarding alliances would require consensus among all stakeholders.
On the other hand, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has indicated its willingness to consider an alliance led by a credible leader like Obasanjo, expressing that such a coalition would bring together like-minded individuals for the benefit of the country.
