The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has poohpoohed a meeting by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The APC described the meeting held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, as a gathering of “indolent and lazy” politicians.
The meeting was held in closed doors lasting about two hours in the company of political figures, including Atiku, former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and former President Obasanjo.
However, Atiku had told prodding newsmen that the meeting had nothing to do with politics of the 2027 presidential election, insisting it was a private meeting.
According to Atiku, “I was not in Abeokuta to see Obasanjo because of 2027. It is a courtesy visit. I’m not going to talk about 2027 or politics. I’m not here because of 2027.”
But the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in his reaction to the meeting, said it was a gathering of “indolent and lazy” politicians, posing no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
He said the APC is focused on delivering President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and winning the November 8 governorship poll in Anambra State.
He said the meeting was a non-issue, wondering how a group of politicians “in disarray” could pose a threat to the APC.
“We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full. We are personally concentrating on how to win and bring Anambra on board for the APC. So, we don’t have time for talks on any political meetings. We also have a responsibility to run the government.
“They (Atiku and Obasanjo) are indolent; they don’t have anything to do. So, they can meet any day, any time. Our government is concentrating on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We don’t have an issue with some indolent people meeting anybody they want to meet,” he said.
Basiru asked, “How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC? We are talking about a party that is not embedded in any crisis and has high-calibre people who can win elections.
“So we are not worried. We are concentrating on winning the Anambra governorship election on November 8. That’s where our concentration lies for now.”
But for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, he is disposed and open to a coalition, but only if it aligns with his values and vision for a better Nigeria.
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