Northern Coalition Pledges Support for President Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, declared on Friday that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are “dying at a fantastic rate.” This statement came as Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, formally received members of the 2023 Atiku Abubakar support groups from the 19 Northern States into the APC fold in Abuja.
The defectors, operating under the aegis of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups, announced their decision to join the APC and symbolically surrendered their certificate of recognition to the APC National Chairman. The group, which played a significant role in mobilizing support for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, cited their belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as the reason for their defection.
While addressing the new members, Ganduje boasted about the APC’s growing dominance, stating that opposition parties are struggling to remain relevant. He pointed to the upcoming Anambra State governorship election as evidence, noting that the PDP has yet to finalize its aspirants for screening. “Opposition parties are dying, and the APC is harvesting their members,” Ganduje declared.
The Coordinator of the Coalition, Hon. Abubakar Malami, highlighted the diverse composition of the group, which includes women, youths, students, traders, academics, and farmers from various religious and ethnic backgrounds. He recounted their efforts in mobilizing support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 elections but expressed their commitment to working for President Tinubu’s success in the 2027 general elections.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described the defection as a “big catch” for the APC, emphasizing that the ruling party values hard work and inclusivity. He assured the new members that they would enjoy the same privileges as long-standing APC members, urging them to contribute actively to the party’s success.
“Mr. President is doing his best to reposition Nigeria and turn it into a land of prosperity. It’s good that you have acknowledged this and joined us in this journey,” Barau said. He encouraged the defectors to align with President Tinubu’s vision for national development and assured them of equal opportunities within the party.
The defection of the Atiku support groups is seen as a significant political win for the APC, particularly in the Northern region, which remains a key battleground in Nigerian politics. As the 2027 elections approach, the ruling party continues to consolidate its support base, while opposition parties face mounting challenges in retaining their influence.