Ganduje Dismisses Opposition Coalition as Futile During Visit to Buhari
In a show of political solidarity and forward planning, top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, paid a strategic courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, on Saturday. The visit, though tagged as a routine engagement, took on a more consequential tone following Ganduje’s pointed remarks dismissing the credibility and viability of the recently rumored coalition talks between opposition figures, notably former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ganduje described the opposition’s efforts to form a unified front ahead of the 2027 elections as “doomed to fail,” citing deep-seated ideological rifts, conflicting personal ambitions, and a lack of unified vision as insurmountable obstacles.
“The so-called coalition is dead on arrival,” Ganduje stated firmly. “You cannot bring together people who have spent the last decade contradicting each other, competing for the same space, and expect them to form a government. Nigerians are not gullible.”
A Coalition of Strange Bedfellows?
Recent reports suggest that political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and Labour Party representatives like Yunusa Tanko have begun preliminary discussions on forming a grand opposition alliance. The aim, according to insiders, is to mount a formidable challenge against the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
However, Ganduje characterized the alliance as politically opportunistic and ideologically incoherent. He noted that Atiku and El-Rufai, though seasoned politicians, represent vastly different approaches to governance and party politics, and their long-standing rivalry makes meaningful collaboration unlikely.
“You can’t mix oil and water and expect to create something that lasts. These are individuals who barely tolerate each other, let alone share a common agenda,” Ganduje remarked. “Their talks are nothing but media optics and desperation.”
The Purpose of the Visit
Ganduje and other APC stakeholders were received warmly by former President Buhari at his country home. The meeting, according to sources within the party, was aimed at updating Buhari on the party’s current direction, reaffirming loyalty, and discussing preparations for the 2027 general elections.
It also served as an opportunity to highlight the strides made under the Tinubu administration and solicit the former president’s continued moral support.
“We came to consult with our leader and elder statesman. President Buhari remains a pillar of wisdom in our party,” Ganduje explained. “We briefed him on developments within the APC, the reforms we’re implementing, and the road ahead.”
Internal APC Dynamics and Governance Record
Ganduje used the occasion to push back against criticism aimed at President Bola Tinubu’s administration regarding alleged lopsided appointments and perceived marginalization of certain regions. He assured Nigerians that data would soon be made public to prove that the administration remains committed to fairness, federal character, and inclusivity.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Ganduje said. “The President is working hard to ensure every zone is represented. We will release the facts so Nigerians can judge for themselves.”
He also touched on the APC’s commitment to deepening internal democracy, improving party discipline, and embracing grassroots mobilization as the cornerstone of its electoral strategy going forward.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the 2027 general elections still over two years away, Ganduje made it clear that the APC was not taking anything for granted. He said the party is already building structures and refining its outreach strategy, especially at the ward and local government levels.
“We’re not waiting for election season to begin preparations. We’ve learned from past elections. Early planning, grassroots engagement, and unity of purpose are what will keep us ahead,” he said.
Political analysts believe the APC leadership’s move to close ranks early and counter emerging opposition narratives is a sign that the ruling party is keenly aware of the volatile political climate and the growing restlessness among Nigerian voters. However, many argue that while Ganduje’s confidence is rooted in recent APC victories and cohesion, the opposition—if well-organized—could pose a significant challenge.
Conclusion
As the political scene begins to shift in anticipation of the 2027 elections, Ganduje’s strong dismissal of the Atiku-El-Rufai coalition attempts signals a party determined to dominate the discourse early. Whether the opposition can defy his prediction and unify effectively remains to be seen.
For now, the APC appears focused, well-organized, and ready to defend its hold on power—while keeping an eye on both internal reforms and external threats. In the words of Ganduje: “We are not distracted by noise. We are building, we are organizing, and we are moving forward.”
