The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has dismissed any hope of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, declaring that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031.”
Speaking during a media engagement titled “Moment with Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru” in Ibadan, organized by Zone B of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Senator Basiru addressed mounting speculation over a growing coalition by opposition figures seeking to challenge Tinubu’s re-election.
He stated that anyone with political ambition to contest the presidency should “reserve their resources until 2031,” affirming that Tinubu’s seat is not up for grabs in 2027.
Opposition Accused of Self-Interest
Senator Basiru dismissed reports of Northern opposition to President Tinubu’s re-election bid as “false and politically motivated.” He described those fueling such claims as disgruntled politicians who had failed to develop the North when they had the opportunity.
“The noise from these so-called opposition leaders is not about national development, it’s about protecting selfish interests and personal ambition. The North is solidly behind APC and President Tinubu,” he asserted.
He emphasized that APC continues to enjoy overwhelming support in Northern Nigeria, citing recent political developments and appointments.
North Firmly Behind Tinubu – Basiru
“Go to Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Gombe—President Tinubu is widely celebrated. I have personally toured these regions, and the support is undeniable,” Basiru said.
He added that in Katsina, all political party structures had aligned in support of President Tinubu’s 2027 agenda. In Kaduna, under Governor Uba Sani, APC remains the dominant political force. He also pointed to APC’s strong presence in the National Assembly and the recent defection of Senator Kawu from Kano to the party.
“In Sokoto, under the leadership of Senator Wamako, the APC remains a major force. In Kebbi, Senator Adamu Aliero—who won two senatorial zones—is within our party. These are facts,” he said.
He also highlighted major federal interventions, such as the ₦120 billion support to Gombe State for livestock development and mechanisation for 40,000 farmers in Katsina, as examples of Tinubu’s commitment to Northern development.
“Governor Yari confirmed that under President Tinubu, transporting goods from the North to the South is no longer a nightmare. These initiatives are driving stronger support for his second term,” Basiru stated.
On Coalition Politics
Senator Basiru criticized the idea of a so-called opposition coalition, describing it as “confused and incompatible” with Nigeria’s presidential system.
“You can’t be in the Labour Party and at the same time in the ADC. Coalition politics of that nature is alien to our constitution and reeks of political desperation,” he said.
“No serious politician will abandon a solid, credible, and tested platform like the APC to chase shadows in unfamiliar, unstable alliances.”
Basiru urged Nigerians not to be misled by opposition rhetoric, stressing that the APC remains the only viable political machinery capable of steering Nigeria forward under Tinubu’s leadership.
