National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed growing speculation about a possible merger among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as futile and destined to collapse.
The visit took place on friday hours after Atiku led post Sallah homage to President Buhari’s residents in Daura Close in Kaduna.
Speaking to journalists on Friday after leading the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a Post Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Ganduje ridiculed the idea of a “grand opposition alliance,” saying the ruling party remains unshaken and well-positioned to retain power in 2027.
“We are not worried at all,” Ganduje declared. “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.”
The APC chairman suggested the opposition was attempting to stitch together a coalition of convenience, without a shared ideology or clear direction. “It is a game,” he added, “and we will not reveal our technicalities on how to handle it, but we assure you, we are equal to the task.”
Ganduje further emphasized the ruling party’s strength, boasting of the APC’s control of 21 states and describing it as “still the strongest party in West Africa.” He noted that the party is not only focused on defending its strongholds but also on expanding its reach.
“We are eyeing other states that will come into our fold,” he said confidently. “Either the governors themselves will come, or we go for election and defeat them to increase our tally. We are comfortable, but we are not resting. We shall continue.”
His comments followed a similar Sallah visit earlier in the day by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also met with Buhari. Atiku was accompanied by a high-powered delegation including former governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa), and Achike Udenwa (Imo).
Meanwhile addressing the media after the visit, Atiku confirmed that merger talks were ongoing among opposition parties, but insisted the Daura visit was a personal courtesy to the former president.
Earlier on friday Nasir El-Rufai on his X handle said the visit has nothing to do with politics saying It’s a Sallah homage to President Buhari, which they consider a mark of respect and goodwill.