- Ningi, Imoke, Tambuwal Among Ex-VP’s Entourage
- Atiku Dismisses Political Motives, Calls It a ‘Courtesy Visit’
- El-Rufai Defends 2023 Actions, Says He Expected Nothing in Return
- Showunmi: Opposition Can Defeat APC Without a Merger
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reignited political discussions about his future and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
This followed his visit yesterday to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta—a meeting widely perceived as politically significant.
Upon arrival at Obasanjo’s residence, located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Atiku and his entourage were received by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe. Shortly after, they proceeded upstairs for a private discussion behind closed doors.
Emerging from the meeting at 2:11 p.m., Atiku downplayed its significance, telling journalists, “It’s just a courtesy visit, please. I am not going to talk about politics.”
Despite his remarks, the presence of seasoned political figures in his entourage—including Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal—has fueled speculation about strategic consultations for 2027.
In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Atiku similarly met with Obasanjo in what was seen as an effort to secure his endorsement. While Obasanjo ultimately did not back Atiku publicly, he remains an influential political figure capable of shaping electoral outcomes.
Atiku’s latest visit comes as opposition forces seek to reposition themselves following their 2023 defeat, while President Bola Tinubu consolidates power. His continued engagement with key stakeholders suggests he is still a major player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
His alliance with Tambuwal, a prominent power broker in the North, and Imoke, a key figure in the South-South, hints at a broader coalition-building strategy. While Atiku’s denial may deflect immediate scrutiny, early political maneuvers remain crucial in Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment.
El-Rufai: I Acted for God, Country, and Party
Meanwhile, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed claims that he failed to support President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 elections, insisting that he has moved on.
El-Rufai’s role in the election has been a subject of debate, with an X user, Yusuf Tukur, recently suggesting that Tinubu and his allies had once courted El-Rufai’s support but later accused him of disloyalty.
Reacting via his X handle, El-Rufai stated: “We did what we did for God, country, and party, expecting nothing in return. What is unfolding is merely another life experience and part of human nature. We have moved on, but their conscience won’t let them sleep well.”
He also took a jab at political pretenders, saying, “Truly, I don’t know how to pretend. Being a Nollywood actor in governance is for some others, not for some of us.”
Showunmi: PDP Must Work Hard, Not Rely on a Merger
In a separate development, PDP chieftain Otunba Segun Showunmi has dismissed suggestions that opposition parties must merge to defeat the APC in 2027.
Speaking on Arise TV, Showunmi called the idea “a lazy approach,” arguing that PDP should focus on strengthening itself rather than hoping for a coalition.
“It’s very lazy and extremely annoying that a party like PDP is not working hard to make itself electable. They need to stop the quarrels, differentiate themselves from the ruling party, and present a strong alternative,” he said.
He also questioned the feasibility of a merger, warning that personal ambitions could derail such an alliance.
“When you bring all six of you together, which of you will agree to be president? You who cannot even endure in a legacy party like PDP, are you the ones that will endure if you don’t get what you want in a new party?”
Showunmi emphasized that the opposition needs clear, actionable policies to challenge APC, rather than relying on political mergers.
