The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the recent meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Donald Duke as no threat to its political dominance.
Over the weekend, Kwankwaso, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Duke, the ex-Governor of Cross River State, paid a visit to Obasanjo’s Abeokuta residence in Ogun State.
The closed-door meeting, which reportedly focused on Nigeria’s political future, has sparked debates about strategies for the 2027 general elections.
“No Vacancy in Aso Rock,” Says APC
The APC remains confident in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and re-election prospects. Recently, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, declared there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031, emphasizing Tinubu’s potential for a second term.
Opposition parties, however, insist that the APC will be removed from power in the next elections. The Abeokuta meeting appears to be a step towards consolidating opposition efforts, but the APC has waved it off as inconsequential.
Opposition Leaders Seek Unity
Kwankwaso, a powerful political figure in Kano State, and Duke, known for his progressive governance style in Cross River, joined Obasanjo in what sources described as “strategic discussions.”
Kwankwaso later confirmed the meeting on his official Facebook page, stating, “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. Deliberations on significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria, defined the conversation.”
He also expressed gratitude to Obasanjo, referring to him affectionately as “Baba,” for his warm reception and support.
Obasanjo, a vocal critic of Tinubu’s administration, has consistently raised concerns about corruption, Nigeria’s rising debt, and economic challenges. His involvement in the meeting suggests a growing effort to build an alliance aimed at challenging the APC’s stronghold in 2027.
APC Mocks Opposition “Spent Forces”
Reacting to the development, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed the meeting as a gathering of “spent forces” with no significant political weight.
“With due respect, I hold Obasanjo in high esteem. But when it comes to contemporary Nigerian politics, Tinubu is not their mate,” Ibrahim said.
He added, “Tinubu is head and shoulders above them. The combination of Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Donald Duke does not present a threat. These are people who were trashed in the last election.”
Ibrahim pointed to Obasanjo’s history of unsuccessful political endorsements, including his support for former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, both of whom were defeated.
“They can meet for as long as they want, but it won’t change anything,” Ibrahim asserted. “If it is these same spent forces, their meeting cannot bring any good outcome.”
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political observers believe the meeting highlights the opposition’s growing concern about the APC’s dominance. However, analysts agree that forging a united front among opposition leaders remains a significant challenge.
Obasanjo’s role as a mediator could attract more political heavyweights, but questions linger over whether past electoral defeats will overshadow new strategies.
Kwankwaso’s influence in the North and Duke’s experience in the South are seen as key assets, but critics argue that without a clear leader or shared vision, their efforts might fail to gain momentum.
