The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the significance of a recent meeting between former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-Governor Donald Duke, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as a futile effort to disrupt the political status quo ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Duke, a 2007 presidential aspirant, visited Obasanjo at his Abeokuta home over the weekend. The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, has sparked speculation about plans to form a political alliance to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. While the specifics of the discussion remain undisclosed, sources close to the leaders suggested that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strategize for Nigeria’s future political direction.
Obasanjo, a highly influential figure in Nigerian politics, has been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly concerning alleged corruption and rising national debt. The former president has also been engaged in conversations with various political figures to explore alternatives to both the ruling APC and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso confirmed the meeting, saying, “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.” He added, “Our discussions covered significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria. We are grateful to Baba for his warm reception, support, and hospitality.”
Despite these discussions, the APC has quickly dismissed the possibility of a serious challenge to the party’s hold on power in the upcoming 2027 elections. Bala Ibrahim, the National Publicity Director of the APC, ridiculed the meeting, claiming that the political profiles of Kwankwaso, Duke, and other opposition figures are no match for President Tinubu’s influence.
In an interview with The Telegraph on Sunday, Ibrahim said, “With all due respect, I hold Obasanjo in high esteem, but when it comes to contemporary Nigerian politics, Tinubu is in a league of his own. The combination of Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Donald Duke does not pose any threat to Tinubu or the APC.”
Ibrahim further emphasized that these figures have already been decisively defeated in previous elections, adding, “They were all beaten in the last election. Obasanjo supported former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari, and more recently backed Peter Obi, who was also trounced by Tinubu.”
He concluded, “They can meet as long as they like, but their efforts will not change the outcome in 2027. If they are bringing angels to the table, it might be a different story, but if it’s the same old faces—who have been rejected by the electorate—nothing will come of it.”
As the countdown to the 2027 elections continues, the APC remains confident that its political strength and the enduring popularity of President Tinubu will ensure its continued dominance of Nigeria’s political landscape.
