Kaduna APC urges Atiku to withdraw 2027 bid and support Tinubu

The Kaduna State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially requested that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar step aside from the 2027 presidential contest. The party leadership asserts that the northern region has clearly demonstrated its preference for the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu. This call was made following a significant political rally held in Kaduna, which the APC views as decisive evidence of shifting political dynamics in the region.

Mohammed Sani Haruna, the APC State Publicity Secretary, issued the statement during a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday. Haruna described the turnout at the APC presidential campaign flag-off, which took place on Saturday, as overwhelming. He contended that the massive turnout demonstrated Atiku could no longer count on northern backing to fuel his presidential aspirations. The party’s spokesperson noted that the gathering dismantled opposition hopes of obtaining overwhelming support in the North, a region traditionally viewed as vital to Atiku’s electoral strategy.

Background

The APC’s position is rooted in the party's assessment of recent political events in the north. Haruna recalled a specific political gesture made by President Tinubu in 2011, noting that the President provided Atiku with a platform to contest for the presidency of Nigeria at that time. Haruna suggested that Atiku ought to return the favor of previous backing by joining forces with Tinubu instead of pursuing another attempt for the country’s highest position. The APC spokesperson emphasized that the current moment is the appropriate time for Atiku to demonstrate patriotism by working for the greater interest of the country.

Haruna also addressed the age of the former Vice-President, noting that Atiku is approaching 80 years old. The APC spokesperson warned that another failed attempt at the presidency could expose Atiku to further political embarrassment. In addition, Haruna charged Atiku and other opposition leaders with leveraging ethnic, religious, and regional feelings to attract northern electors. The APC argued that these opposition figures fail to highlight tangible contributions to the region’s development, instead relying on divisive rhetoric.

Why it matters

The dispute over northern political allegiance is a critical factor in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The APC claims that the massive turnout at the Kaduna rally serves as organic proof of growing support for Tinubu across the region. This assertion directly challenges the opposition's strategy, which has traditionally relied on the northern bloc for electoral success. By urging Atiku to withdraw, the APC aims to consolidate its base in the north and present a unified front for the incumbent.

The party also responded to specific allegations circulating on social media regarding the authenticity of the rally. Claims had emerged that the crowd footage was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or that attendees were paid to be present. Haruna dismissed these allegations as baseless, insisting that the turnout was purely organic. He highlighted that thousands of adherents came early and endured long waits to secure admission to the stadium. Haruna stated that some individuals slept over at the venue and queued as early as 4:00 a.m., arguing that such dedication cannot be bought or fabricated. This defense of the rally's authenticity is central to the APC's narrative of widespread northern support for President Tinubu.