Tinubu is not threatened by Obasanjo, Kwankwaso and Obi’s 2027 talks – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns about a recent meeting in Abeokuta involving Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. The closed-door discussions reportedly focused on Nigeria’s political future, sparking speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

The meeting followed comments by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who advocated for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, asserting there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.”

Although opposition parties have expressed ambitions to challenge the APC, the ruling party remains unbothered. APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed the meeting as inconsequential, stating that Tinubu is far ahead of the participants in contemporary Nigerian politics and emphasizing that these individuals were defeated in the last election.

Kwankwaso described the meeting with Obasanjo and Duke as an opportunity to deliberate on national issues, appreciating Obasanjo’s hospitality and insights. Meanwhile, Obasanjo has been critical of Tinubu’s administration, citing alleged corruption and rising debt under his leadership.

Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential to Tinubu’s government.

With due respect, I hold Obasanjo in high esteem. As a former President, ex-Head of State, and an elder statesman, I don’t want to take issues with him. But when it comes to the politics of Nigeria, particularly contemporary politics, Tinubu is not their mate,” Ibrahim said.

“Tinubu is head and shoulders above them in modern politics in Nigeria. So the combination of Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Donald Duke, who was my schoolmate, does not present a threat to Tinubu. These are people who were trashed in the last election.”

Ibrahim further cited Obasanjo’s past endorsements of unsuccessful candidates, saying, “This is not the first time Obasanjo is going to rally around someone, and that person is defeated. Remember, he supported (ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan, who later lost to Buhari. Obasanjo supported another candidate, Peter Obi, in the last election again, and Tinubu trounced them.”

He concluded saying; “So they can have marathon meetings and meet till the end of time, they will not present any threat to the government of APC. Who among Kwankwaso, Obasanjo, Obi, Duke was not beaten? If they are bringing angels, it’s a different story. But if it is these same spent forces that will combine and meet, their meeting cannot bring any good outcome.”