Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid not under threat from Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Obi – APC

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed concerns over the weekend meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and prominent political figures, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Donald Duke, at Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The visit reportedly centered on strategizing for Nigeria’s political future and the 2027 general elections.

Senator Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Duke, a 2007 presidential aspirant and ex-governor of Cross River State, are believed to be exploring alliances aimed at challenging the APC’s dominance.

Obasanjo has been an outspoken critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing concerns over corruption, governance, and Nigeria’s escalating debt profile.

While the specifics of the closed-door meeting remain undisclosed, sources suggest it was part of a broader effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. Kwankwaso, a significant political figure in northern Nigeria, and Duke, a respected voice from the southern region, both bring diverse perspectives and influence that could rally support across the country.

The APC, however, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential to its plans, reiterating confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and prospects for re-election in 2027.

Recent comments by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reinforced this stance, declaring there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” until 2031.

Confirming the meeting via his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso stated, “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.”

READ ALSO: JUST IN : Tinubu, others meet on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS

He added, “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, reacting to the development in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, the National Publicity Director of the ruling APC, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the meeting as a potential to the APC continuity.

Ibrahim boasted that Tinubu’s political profile and relevance in contemporary politics had dwarfed the opposition figures and statesmen.

He said, “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”