APC Secretary Dismisses Atiku’s Coalition Plans, Backs Tinubu As ‘Grandmaster’ Of Alliances.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has scoffed at efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. In a robust statement, Basiru described Tinubu as an unmatched expert in coalition-building, asserting that the opposition’s plans would fail to unseat the APC.
Speaking to journalists, Basiru highlighted Tinubu’s credentials as a political strategist, noting his pivotal role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which played a significant part in ending military rule in Nigeria. “They are not forming any coalition, and if they are, President Tinubu is the grandmaster of coalitions,” Basiru declared. “How can they challenge the chieftain of NADECO, the mother of coalitions that helped remove the military from power?”
Basiru dismissed the opposition’s efforts as driven by “inordinate ambition and a sense of entitlement” rather than a genuine commitment to Nigeria’s welfare. He pointed to the APC’s own history of successful alliances, citing its formation as a congress of major political parties that led to its dominance in Nigerian politics. The APC secretary expressed confidence that Tinubu and the party would secure victory in 2027, just as they did in 2023.
The opposition’s coalition talks, Basiru argued, expose inconsistencies in their narrative. “If they truly believe they won the 2023 election, why are they discussing a coalition for 2027?” he questioned. “The truth is they lost, and by the grace of Almighty God, they will lose again in 2027.” He urged opposition leaders to focus on strengthening their individual parties rather than pursuing what he described as a futile alliance.
Basiru’s remarks come amid growing speculation about a potential mega-party to challenge the APC, with Atiku and other prominent figures reportedly exploring ways to consolidate opposition forces. However, Basiru’s confident dismissal underscores the APC’s belief in its organisational strength and Tinubu’s political acumen. As Nigeria looks towards 2027, the political landscape remains charged, with the APC framing itself as the party best positioned to lead the nation forward.
