Atiku, others plan coalition talk dead on arrival – Ganduje
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has rejected discussions surrounding a potential opposition merger in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, describing such an initiative as an unproductive coalition destined for failure.
On Friday, Ganduje articulated his thoughts while addressing journalists following his leadership of the APC National Working Committee during a Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
In response to enquiries regarding the current dialogues among prominent opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Ganduje promptly dismissed any suggestion of a significant challenge to the ruling party.
He stated, “We are not concerned in the slightest.” This represents a cyclical recurrence in historical patterns. They embarked on a collaborative endeavour, which is unlikely to succeed, as evidence suggests that certain elements simply cannot unite. This is a game, and while we shall not disclose the intricacies of our approach, we assure you that we are fully capable of meeting the challenge.
The chairman of the APC stressed the party’s political supremacy, highlighting its governance over 21 states and asserting its position as “the most formidable party in West Africa”.
He remarked that the APC was not solely concentrated on preserving its grip on power but also on broadening its influence in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
“We are considering additional states that may join our collective.” It is either the governors themselves who will attend, or we shall proceed to an election and secure a victory to enhance our representation. We find ourselves in a state of comfort, yet we remain actively engaged and not complacent. “We shall persist,” Ganduje remarked.
Ganduje’s remarks came in the wake of a prior engagement by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who likewise conferred with the former president.
Atiku, accompanied by a distinguished group of political luminaries, including former governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), articulated that the visit was solely a post-Sallah courtesy call.
“A strategy exists for the principal political parties to unite and establish a formidable opposition; however, such an endeavour is not within the scope of our visit,” Atiku elucidated while speaking to reporters.