The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday dismissed concerns over the recent meeting between Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The trio reportedly discussed Nigeria’s political future behind closed doors.
The visit has sparked speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Discussions about the next presidential race have gained momentum following comments from Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who advocated for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, asserting there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.”
While opposition parties have declared intentions to unseat the APC, the ruling party remains unfazed.
Kwankwaso and Duke, accompanied by associates, held a private meeting with Obasanjo, a vocal critic of Tinubu’s administration. Obasanjo has previously condemned alleged corruption and Nigeria’s rising debt under the current government.
After the meeting, Kwankwaso shared his reflections on Facebook, writing, “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. 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, Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential to Tinubu’s government.
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,” Ibrahim said.
“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 cited Obasanjo’s past endorsements of unsuccessful candidates, saying, “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 saying; “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.”
As political maneuvers unfold, the APC has expressed confidence in its position, reiterating that Tinubu’s leadership remains unshaken.