By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Katsina
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the political significance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent visit to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the ruling party remains unbothered and is instead focused on expanding its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists after leading a delegation of APC leaders to visit Buhari at his Daura residence in Katsina State, Ganduje described Atiku’s visit as a failed political experiment.
“That visit is inconsequential. It’s a fruitless attempt at repeating what has already failed in the past. Some particles simply cannot come together there is no chemical reaction,” he quipped.
Ganduje explained that their own visit to Buhari was to keep the former leader informed about the progress of the party since leaving office in May 2023 and to reaffirm their commitment to preserving his legacy.
“We came to pay our respects and to update him on the achievements of our great party. President Buhari remains a father figure to the APC, and we will continue to carry him along,” Ganduje said.
Amid increasing political realignments and speculation of new alliances in the opposition camp, Ganduje said the APC remains solid and is not losing sleep over defections or meetings held by its opponents.
“We are not worried. We know what we’re doing. We won’t disclose all our strategies, but we’re well-prepared. The progress President Tinubu has made so far is consolidating our position even more,” he stated confidently.
Looking beyond the current political landscape, the APC chairman expressed optimism about the party’s future, hinting at more defections to come and the possibility of winning more states.
“Some governors may join us; others, we may defeat at the polls. Either way, we are spreading our reach. We are comfortable with our current position, but we are not complacent,” he added.
Responding to questions on the exit of some APC members in recent times, Ganduje maintained that their departure had not weakened the party.
“Those who left are not a threat. On the contrary, bigwigs from other parties are coming in. It’s a net gain for us,” he noted.
On allegations of lopsided appointments under President Bola Tinubu, the APC chairman dismissed the claims, stating that the appointments are balanced and data would soon be made public to support that assertion.
“Appointments are ongoing. Over time, everyone will see the fairness in the process. We are compiling facts to demonstrate that there is equity,” he assured.
Ganduje’s comments come as both ruling and opposition parties begin subtle positioning for the 2027 elections, signaling the start of what promises to be a high-stakes political season in Nigeria.