The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed talks of an opposition merger ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a futile alliance that is destined to fail.
Ganduje made the statements on Friday while speaking to the press after heading the APC National Working Committee on a Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Kaduna State.
When asked about ongoing negotiations with important opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Ganduje dismissed any suggestion of a genuine danger to the ruling party.
He said, “We are not worried at all. This is just history trying to repeat itself. They went on a joint venture, which will not work because from what we have seen, there are just some particles that cannot come together. It is a game, and we will not reveal our technicalities on how to handle it, but we assure you, we are equal to the task.”
Ganduje touted the party’s political dominance, noting its control of 21 states and declaring it “still the strongest party in West Africa”.
He mentioned that the APC was not only focused on maintaining its hold on power but also expanding its influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are eyeing other states that will come into our fold. Either the governors themselves will come, or we will go for election and defeat them to increase our tally. We are comfortable, but we are not resting. We shall continue,” Ganduje added.
Ganduje’s remarks came after Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, met with the former president.
Atiku was accompanied by a delegation of notable political figures, including former governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), who described the visit as a post-Sallah courtesy call.
“There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of our visit,” Atiku clarified while addressing reporters.
