The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns over a recent closed-door meeting involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
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The meeting, which has sparked widespread speculation, is rumored to be part of a broader coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Held at the SDP’s national secretariat, the meeting reportedly included key figures such as Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha, and Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku.
Showunmi shared the details on his Facebook page, amplifying debates over the potential alignment of political forces.
Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, many political analysts believe it is tied to the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a group led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.
The LND, which aims to transform into a political party under the guidance of Dr. Umar Ardo, has reportedly been courting southern political leaders to build a formidable coalition for the upcoming elections.
However, SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam denied any formal collaboration with El-Rufai or Atiku, stating that the party’s focus remains on strengthening its structures and offering Nigerians credible alternatives.
In response to these developments, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential and likened the opposition’s efforts to a futile gathering.
Arodiogbu described El-Rufai as politically isolated and desperate for recognition, asserting that the APC is not concerned about his actions.
“We are not worried about the unholy alliance because it will amount to nothing. It is just a gathering of disgruntled people trying to lick their wounds,” he said.
Arodiogbu also highlighted the APC government’s successes, including economic reforms that are beginning to yield results.
He pointed to anticipated fuel price reductions and increased fuel exports as evidence of progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that the APC is confident in retaining power in 2027.
Adding to the conversation, the APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, emphasized El-Rufai’s constitutional right to associate with whomever he pleases.
He noted that, until a definitive action is taken by El-Rufai, speculation about his political future remains premature.
“Unless and until a decision has been made, we are not in any position to speculate,” Duru stated, stressing that the APC’s focus remains on governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
As the political maneuvering continues, the APC has made it clear that it is prepared to address any defections or alliances decisively.
Confident in President Tinubu’s reform agenda, the party remains steadfast in its belief that it will weather any opposition and emerge victorious in the next general elections.