Plan by opposition political parties to form an alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, has reportedly rattled the ruling All Progressive Congress APC.
However, the party in what many see as grand standing, has said that it is not and will never be threatened by such move.
Speculations about a possible alliance were heightened by the visit of some political heavy weights including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwakwanso, presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party and the former two term Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his Abeokuta, Ogun State residence recently.
Though details of the visits were not made public, there are hints that their discussion centered on the political future of Nigeria and the prevailing challenges that have negatively impacted on the citizens.
Sequel to George Akume, Secretary to the Federal Government’s subtle campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election for a second tenure in 2027, there have been heated political debates about the country’s political future vis a vis Tinubu’s performance and the need for a change of baton.
Akume, a member of the current administration’s inner caucus had reportedly said that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa until 2031, when President Tinbu will have completed his second tenure.
But the opposition considers the statement as inconsequential, insisting that the ruling APC that, according to them, has messed up all sectors of the economy would be ousted from power in 2027.
Kwakwanso and Duke former Governors of Kano and Cross River states respectively visited ex-President Obasanjo at Abeokuta where they held a closed door meeting. Though details of their meeting have not been ascertained, insider sources are of the view that the meeting was aimed at initiating political strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obasanjo, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has been actively engaging various stakeholders to explore alternatives to the ruling APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
The ex-President has recently been very critical of Tinubu’s government, decrying alleged corruption and increasing debt burden.
Kwankwaso, a pivotal figure in Kano State politics, brings substantial influence and followership, while Duke, a former governor from the southern region, is expected to contribute his unique perspective on governance and national unity.
Though specifics of their conversation remain under wraps, Kwankwaso’s statement after the meeting hinted at a collective intention to challenge the existing political structure and foster a new direction for Nigeria’s political landscape.
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”.
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 on Sunday, the National Publicity Director of the ruling APC, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential 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.
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”.
