APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, has firmly dismissed growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, are considering a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Arodiogbu stated that there is no realistic pathway for both men to work together politically. According to him, Kwankwaso is an experienced political figure who understands where his long-term interests lie, and those interests do not include forming any coalition with Atiku.
Arodiogbu expressed confidence that Kwankwaso would derive greater political advantage by working with the ruling All Progressives Congress. He suggested that any move by Kwankwaso toward the APC would likely occur before the end of the year, noting that several political figures are expected to switch camps as the 2027 race gains momentum.
He said there is no scenario in which Kwankwaso would leave his party in order to collaborate with Atiku. Arodiogbu explained that Atiku has nothing compelling to offer and argued that the former Vice President has reached the end of his political journey. He added that some politicians do not recognise when it is time to stop, insisting that Kwankwaso is wise enough not to take a step that offers no real value.
Arodiogbu reacted strongly when asked whether Atiku might present Kwankwaso with a more attractive deal than President Bola Tinubu. He questioned what Atiku could meaningfully offer at this stage and insisted that Kwankwaso is well aware of Atiku’s limitations.
Speculation about a possible partnership grew recently after Atiku publicly celebrated Kwankwaso during his 69th birthday, describing him as a patriotic figure. The message sparked renewed conversation about a potential political realignment in the North, where both men maintain significant influence.
Kwankwaso has since rejected suggestions that he submitted any letter of intent to join the APC. He described such claims as unfounded online statements with no basis in fact. His media team also criticised reports circulated by political actors who suggested that the NNPP leader had secretly begun talks with senior APC officials.
With political manoeuvring increasing as the 2027 election cycle approaches, analysts believe both camps may still be maintaining informal contact. However, for now, the APC insists that a Kwankwaso Atiku partnership is not a realistic possibility.