The All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the significance of a recent meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and key political figures, including Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.
The meeting, held at Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has fueled speculation about a potential alliance to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
According to reports, the discussions focused on Nigeria’s political future and strategies for the next general election. While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, sources indicate it was part of efforts to form a united front against the APC.
Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election and a major political figure in northern Nigeria, confirmed the meeting on his social media.
He 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.”
Kwankwaso 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.”
Reacting to the development, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed the meeting as inconsequential. Speaking on Sunday, Ibrahim asserted that President Tinubu remains far ahead of the opposition in terms of political relevance and influence.
Ibrahim stated, “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.”
He continued, “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 emphasized, “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, “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.”
