Emerging Alliances Jolt Kano APC as Makinde-Wike Dispute Deepens
A recent high-profile meeting involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's political landscape. This gathering has fueled intense speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, compelling the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to recalibrate its strategies.
Kano APC Expresses Concern Over Opposition Convergence
The unexpected convergence of these political heavyweights has particularly unsettled members of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, a state considered a stronghold of Kwankwaso and a critical battleground in national politics. Party loyalists have described the meeting as strategic and capable of altering existing political alliances, especially in the northern region.
Reacting to the development, some APC stakeholders in Kano voiced concern over what they perceive as a growing coalition among opposition leaders. They warned that such alliances, if solidified, could pose a significant challenge to the ruling party's dominance in upcoming electoral contests. However, supporters of Obi and Dickson have downplayed the political implications, insisting the meeting was part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening democratic values and fostering national dialogue.
The APC in Kano expressed surprise at the timing and political relevance of the gathering, termed a Sallah meeting of leading opposition figures. The party's Publicity Secretary, Auwal Mai-Nage, told newsmen that the meeting was unexpected and disconnected from Kano's political realities. Despite this surprise, the party downplayed its significance, asserting it does not constitute a serious political challenge within the state.
Mai-Nage stated, "We are genuinely surprised to see Kwankwaso and Peter Obi aligning in this manner. This is a Muslim gathering, yet Obi is widely perceived as having limited engagement with Muslim communities. For Kwankwaso to prioritise such alliances over local considerations raises serious questions about his political strategy." He also criticised the low turnout, suggesting even a local government chairman in Kano could mobilise a larger crowd.
Makinde Convenes Emergency PDP Stakeholders' Meeting in Oyo
In a related development, Governor Makinde planned an emergency meeting with key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State. The session, initially scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Agodi Government House, was later moved to the Local Government Training Centre within the State Secretariat in Ibadan.
Sources indicate the meeting aimed to brief party members on recent developments, particularly ongoing reconciliation efforts with a faction aligned to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The governor was also expected to address speculations surrounding possible defections, especially in relation to his recent engagements with leaders of other political parties.
Another source revealed that the meeting would deliberate on modalities for selecting the party's governorship candidate, including options of consensus or primary elections. Stakeholders, including government officials, political appointees, elected representatives, party leaders, governorship aspirants, members of the elders' forum, and the Governor's Advisory Council, had assembled awaiting the governor's arrival.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike took a swipe at Makinde, declaring that the governor had entered a political battle he lacked the capacity to finish. Speaking at the 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the PDP, Wike mocked Makinde's reliance on contracts and judicial orders, stating that "politics and Shell contracts are not the same thing."
The PDP NEC meeting resolved to move into its National Convention as a unified body and adopt a "no victor, no vanquished" stance to bridge internal divisions. The meeting served as the final clearing house for the party's leadership ahead of the March 29 and 30 elective convention. A communiqué issued after the session officially ratified reports from recently concluded ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses.
APC Declares Readiness for Convention and 2027 Polls
Amidst these developments, the APC has declared its readiness for the conduct of its National Convention this weekend and the 2027 general election. Chairman of the Central Coordination Committee for the APC 2026 National Convention, Aminu Masari, and other key leaders made this declaration in Abuja on Monday.
They spoke after a walk for a cleaner and safer environment, themed "Let's Go Green," organised by the Environment and Sanitation Sub-committee. Masari, a former governor of Katsina State, said the walk demonstrated the APC's readiness not just for the convention but for next year's polls, in which the party is confident of victory.
Co-chairman of the sub-committee and former Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, added that the event showed the party's capacity to hold a hitch-free convention and head to victory in 2027. Similarly, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the Convention Planning Committee, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the party is poised for a successful convention and victorious outing at the 2027 polls.
Progressive Governors Forum Rules Out Leadership Changes
In a significant move, the Progressive Governors Forum of the APC resolved to retain the party's current national leadership, ruling out any move to rezone key positions. The decision was reached in the early hours of Monday after a meeting that ended at about 1:45 a.m. in Lagos.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, briefed journalists, stating that the governors agreed there was no justification for altering the party's leadership structure while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in office. The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting reflected deliberations on national development, state leadership responsibilities, and translating federal reforms into tangible benefits for citizens.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to democratic stability, principled governance, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. They disclosed that prior to the meeting, members visited the President, discussing security, economic reforms, social welfare, infrastructure development, food systems, and strengthening cooperative federalism.
The forum noted that the President's recent visit to the United Kingdom formed part of broader security and development diplomacy and welcomed his assurance of continued international engagement. On party matters, the forum pledged loyalty to the APC and commended the peaceful conduct of its congresses nationwide, describing them as evidence of growing internal democracy and institutional maturity.
The meeting was attended by 24 APC governors, with the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State representing her boss. The forum concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain committed to the democratic process and support efforts aimed at building a more secure, inclusive, and prosperous country.
