What’s Happening?
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed claims of a coalition of opposition parties forming to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Ganduje’s statement comes in response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s announcement that opposition parties are uniting to defeat the ruling APC in the next presidential election.

In a strongly worded statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Oliver Okpala, Ganduje declared that no political alliance or “gang-up” can stop Tinubu from securing a second term. He also advised northern politicians eyeing the presidency to shelve their ambitions until 2031, emphasizing that Tinubu’s re-election is non-negotiable.
Ganduje’s Bold Declaration
Ganduje expressed unwavering confidence in Tinubu’s re-election, citing the president’s performance since assuming office. “Tinubu will surely emerge victorious because of his untrammelled performance since he assumed office as President of Nigeria,” the statement read.
He dismissed the opposition coalition as a gathering of politicians with “divergent political interests” and no unified agenda. “Forget the recent political gatherings and rantings from some politicians who presently do not have any identifiable political base. Their gathering from the Labour Party, PDP, SDP, and others are people with different political ideologies and selfish political interests that can never agree on any issue politically,” Ganduje said.
A Warning to Northern Aspirants
Ganduje also sent a clear message to northern politicians considering a presidential run in 2027, urging them to wait until 2031. “Any northerner interested in contesting in 2027 should suspend such ambition and wait till 2031,” he stated.
This remark underscores the APC’s commitment to retaining power and its belief in Tinubu’s ability to lead the party to victory again. Ganduje’s statement reflects the party’s strategy to consolidate its base and discourage internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Opposition’s Coalition: A Threat or a Mirage?
Atiku Abubakar’s announcement of a coalition of opposition parties has sparked debates about the viability of such an alliance. The proposed coalition includes parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.
However, Ganduje downplayed the significance of the coalition, describing it as an “assemblage of people with divergent political interests” that lacks the cohesion to pose a real threat to the APC. He argued that the opposition’s inability to agree on a common agenda would ultimately undermine their efforts.
Read also: “Opposition in Decline: Ganduje Claims PDP, NNPP Are ‘Dying at a Fantastic Rate’”
Why This Matters
The 2027 presidential election is already shaping up to be a contentious battle, with both the APC and opposition parties jostling for position. Ganduje’s statements highlight key dynamics in Nigeria’s political landscape:
- APC’s Confidence: The ruling party is banking on Tinubu’s performance and popularity to secure another term.
- Opposition Fragmentation: The coalition’s success hinges on its ability to unite diverse parties with conflicting interests.
- Regional Politics: Ganduje’s warning to northern aspirants reflects the delicate balance of power between Nigeria’s regions.
What’s Next?
As the 2027 elections draw closer, key developments to watch include:
- The opposition coalition’s ability to present a unified front and a credible candidate.
- Tinubu’s performance in office and its impact on his re-election prospects.
- The APC’s strategy to maintain its dominance and address internal challenges.
- The role of regional and ethnic politics in shaping voter sentiment.
Key Takeaways
- Ganduje has declared that no opposition coalition can stop Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
- He dismissed the opposition alliance as a gathering of politicians with conflicting interests.
- Northern politicians eyeing the presidency in 2027 have been advised to wait until 2031.
- The APC is confident in Tinubu’s performance and popularity as key factors for victory.
- The 2027 election will test the strength of Nigeria’s political parties and their ability to unite diverse interests.