Paul Akomolehin, South West
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In what many political analysts are calling a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday led a high-profile delegation to meet with his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, has sparked widespread speculation about a potential alliance between the two political heavyweights, despite Atiku’s insistence that the visit was purely a courtesy call.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, arrived at Obasanjo’s residence at 12:37 pm, accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and other prominent northern politicians. The delegation was received by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe before proceeding to a closed-door meeting with Obasanjo.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Atiku downplayed any political undertones, stating, “I was not in Abeokuta to see Obasanjo because of 2027. It is a courtesy visit. I’m not going to talk about 2027 or politics. I’m not here because of 2027.” However, his remarks have done little to quell the growing rumors of a possible coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the meeting as inconsequential, with its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, describing the gathering as a meeting of “indolent and lazy politicians.” Basiru, in an interview with journalists, emphasized that the APC remains focused on delivering President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and winning the upcoming Anambra State governorship election on November 8.
“We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full. We are personally concentrating on how to win and bring Anambra on board for the APC,” Basiru said. “They (Atiku and Obasanjo) are indolent; they don’t have anything to do. So, they can meet any day, any time. Our government is concentrating on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
When asked if the APC viewed the meeting as a potential threat, Basiru scoffed at the idea, stating, “How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC? We are talking about a party that is not embedded in any crisis and has high-calibre people who can win elections.”
Despite the APC’s dismissive stance, political observers note that the Abeokuta meeting could signal the beginning of a broader opposition strategy to unite against Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. With Atiku and Obasanjo’s combined influence, the PDP and other opposition parties may be laying the groundwork for a formidable challenge to the ruling party’s dominance.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the political landscape in Nigeria is expected to heat up, with alliances, defections, and strategic meetings shaping the battle for the presidency. For now, the APC remains confident in its position, while the opposition appears to be testing the waters for a potential comeback.
As Nigeria’s political drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the key players and their moves in the lead-up to what promises to be a highly contested 2027 presidential election.
