The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that President Bola Tinubu is not worried about the recent meetings of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi held in preparation for the 2027 elections.

The APC made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, following a recent meeting between Obasanjo, Kwankwaso and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The visit has sparked speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The next presidential race has gained momentum after comments from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election, stating that there would be “no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.”

While opposition parties have expressed their intentions to unseat Tinubu and the APC, the ruling party appears unshaken.

Obasanjo has previously voiced concerns about alleged corruption and rising debt under the Tinubu-led government.

Shortly after the meeting, Kwankwaso took to Facebook to share his thoughts: “I was pleased to be in the company of my friend, His Excellency Donald Duke, and other associates to pay a courtesy call on former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta. Deliberations on significant national issues, including the future of politics and governance in Nigeria, defined the conversation. We are grateful to Baba for his warm reception, support, and hospitality.”

Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, dismissed the meeting as unimportant to Tinubu’s government.

“With all due respect, I hold Obasanjo in high esteem. As a former President, ex-Head of State, and an elder statesman, I don’t want to take issues with him. But when it comes to the politics of Nigeria, particularly contemporary politics, Tinubu is not their mate.

“Tinubu is head and shoulders above them in modern politics in Nigeria. So the combination of Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Donald Duke, who was my schoolmate, does not present a threat to Tinubu. These are people who were trashed in the last election,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim expressed concerns about Obasanjo’s history of endorsing unsuccessful candidates, “This is not the first time Obasanjo is going to rally around someone, and that person is defeated. Remember, he supported (ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan, who later lost to Buhari. Obasanjo supported another candidate, Peter Obi, in the last election again, and Tinubu trounced them.

“So they can have marathon meetings and meet till the end of time, they will not present any threat to the government of APC. Who among Kwankwaso, Obasanjo, Obi, Duke was not beaten? If they are bringing angels, it’s a different story. But if it is these same spent forces that will combine and meet, their meeting cannot bring any good outcome,” he said.