Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the ongoing discussions about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, labeling it an effort doomed to fail.
Speaking on Friday after leading the APC National Working Committee on a Sallah visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, Ganduje was asked about the ongoing talks among prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He quickly downplayed the significance of the discussions, asserting that they posed no threat to the ruling party.
“We are not concerned at all,” Ganduje said. “This is simply history repeating itself. They tried a joint venture before, and it didn’t work. There are factions that will never align. It’s just political theater, and while we won’t reveal our strategy, we’re fully prepared to address it.”
Ganduje underscored the APC’s political dominance, pointing out that the party currently controls 21 states, making it “the strongest party in West Africa.”
The APC, he added, is not only focused on retaining power but also on expanding its influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We’re aiming to bring more states into our fold. Whether through governors joining us or winning through elections, our aim is to further solidify our dominance,” he stated.
This comment came on the heels of a visit by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had met with Buhari.
Atiku clarified that while there are plans to unite the major opposition parties, the purpose of his visit was purely a post-Sallah courtesy call.
“There is a plan for the major political parties to unite as a strong opposition, but that is not the purpose of this visit,” Atiku told reporters.
