The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, February 10, 2025, downplayed the potential alliance between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, stating that it posed no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made this statement in an interview with PUNCH, commenting on a meeting between Obasanjo and Atiku in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.
Atiku led a high-profile delegation, which included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and other political figures, to meet with Obasanjo. The delegation arrived at Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, at 12:37 p.m. and was received by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.’
While the specifics of the meeting remained unclear at the time of reporting, it was speculated that the meeting might be linked to Atiku’s presidential aspirations for 2027.
When asked if the meeting had anything to do with his 2027 ambitions, Atiku responded, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”
Despite the visit fueling speculation about a possible coalition with Obasanjo as the leading figure, the APC dismissed the idea, asserting that it would not affect Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
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.”
