The All Progressives Congress has reacted strongly to claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that members of the ruling party are involved in a multi-party coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the remarks on Wednesday while hosting political stakeholders from Kogi East Senatorial District, led by former Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, in Abuja.
The former Vice President stated that individuals from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and other platforms are part of the emerging coalition to “rescue Nigeria.”
“We have a coalition. All the major political parties are involved. In this coalition — the APC, PDP, Labour Party — all of us are involved. That is the way to go in confronting such an incompetent and inefficient government,” Atiku declared.
This follows an earlier meeting in March between Atiku, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, where they reportedly began discussions on forming a united political front against the Tinubu administration.
In clarifying Atiku’s comments, his media aide, Paul Ibe, explained that the former Vice President was referring to individuals within the APC, not the party as an institution.
“He is not referencing the party as a whole. Some members of the APC, dissatisfied with Tinubu’s governance, have been in contact with Atiku and other coalition leaders,” Ibe told The PUNCH.
However, the APC swiftly dismissed the claims.
In an interview, the party’s Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim described Atiku’s assertions as misleading.
“Atiku is being deceived. The APC is not involved in any such coalition. As a party, we are focused, growing stronger daily, and not bothered by his political theatrics,” Ibrahim said.
“If any APC member is speaking with him, they’re probably stringing him along, as has happened repeatedly in the past. Each time he engages in coalitions, he ends up losing. That’s the pattern.”
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has declared itself the official vehicle for the emerging opposition coalition.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, represented by Board of Trustees Chairman Mani Ahmed, said:
“By the grace of God, I can categorically inform you that the African Democratic Congress is the coalition party in Nigeria. What remains is to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.”
Nwosu said the ADC was ready to accommodate all well-meaning Nigerians who seek genuine democratic reform, and lamented the worsening economic conditions under the current administration.
“Normal existence is becoming more difficult. Statistics show about five million Nigerians are added to the poverty bracket annually. This is unacceptable for a nation so richly endowed,” he said.
Nwosu expressed confidence that 2027 could finally provide the ADC an opportunity to lead the country, after two decades of building a reputation for nationalism, inclusivity, and reform-minded politics.
He emphasised that the party has undergone significant restructuring to welcome new entrants and deepen grassroots engagement.
“Politicians alone cannot change Nigeria. That’s why we’ve brought in civil society and grassroots organizations. We’re building consensus for lasting change,” he added.
The developments come amid growing public discourse on the effectiveness of the current administration and the viability of a united opposition front ahead of the next general elections.(Punch)
