The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has dismissed claims by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso that President Bola Tinubu can be defeated in the 2027 general elections.

Basiru described their position as “cheap talk” and “wishful thinking,” arguing that their assessment overlooks previous electoral outcomes and the organisational requirements needed to win a presidential election.

What Triggered Basiru’s Response?

The disagreement followed separate comments by Obi and Kwankwaso about the possibility of the APC losing the 2027 election.

Obi, speaking at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said voters would not allow their votes to be subverted at polling units.

Kwankwaso, meanwhile, argued that the APC could still lose despite controlling more than 30 states. He cited the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 as an example of how control of a large number of states does not automatically guarantee victory at the presidential level.

Basiru subsequently responded to their positions in an interview with Punch.

He rejected the suggestion that Tinubu’s re-election could be ruled out, while also questioning the historical basis of the arguments being made by Obi and Kwankwaso.

Basiru’s Historical Argument

Rather than accepting the comparison with the 2015 election, Basiru pointed to the 2019 election involving former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He reminded Obi and Kwankwaso that Buhari, while serving as president, secured re-election and that the APC also won in several states during that election.

For Basiru, the example demonstrates that controlling government does not automatically make a ruling party incapable of winning another election.

He used that historical comparison to challenge what he described as an overly confident assessment of the APC’s chances in 2027.

‘They Are Poor Students Of History’

Basiru’s strongest criticism was directed at what he described as Obi and Kwankwaso’s understanding of Nigeria’s recent electoral history.

He said:

“Talk is cheap, and they are poor students of history. Buhari was a sitting President and won re-election and his party won under him. Maybe they are suffering from partial amnesia.”

The APC national secretary also questioned the organisational strength of the political platform associated with his critics.

According to Basiru, their party does not have governorship candidates in at least 12 states and also lacks National Assembly candidates in a large number of constituencies.

He argued that presidential elections require more than public statements and political optimism.

“Presidential election is not won on empty rhetoric or wishful thinking.”

Basiru maintained that the APC remained confident that Nigerians would re-elect Tinubu.

Why The Argument Matters

Basiru’s response goes beyond rejecting Obi and Kwankwaso’s predictions.

His argument is that an opposition movement seeking to defeat a sitting president must demonstrate both historical understanding and sufficient electoral organisation.

By invoking Buhari’s 2019 re-election, Basiru is challenging the idea that a ruling party’s control of government automatically creates an electoral disadvantage.

His reference to the availability of candidates across states and constituencies also shifts attention toward the practical organisation required to contest elections.

However, these remain Basiru’s political arguments. The claims about the opposition party’s candidates and the eventual strength of the various parties are not independently established by the supplied account.

The Strategic Battle Ahead

The exchange highlights two different ways of assessing the 2027 contest.

Obi and Kwankwaso’s comments, as reported in the source article, point to the possibility that voters could challenge the APC despite its current political position.

Basiru, on the other hand, is projecting confidence in the ruling party and arguing that electoral history and political organisation favour the APC.

That difference is significant because winning a presidential election involves more than assessing whether a party is popular or unpopular. It also involves the ability of political organisations to field candidates, mobilise supporters and participate effectively across the electoral landscape.

Basiru’s intervention therefore seeks to undermine the certainty behind predictions of an APC defeat while reinforcing the ruling party’s confidence ahead of the next general election.

Key Takeaways

• Ajibola Basiru rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu is certain to lose the 2027 election.
• Basiru described Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s position as “cheap talk” and “wishful thinking.”
• He cited Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election as a historical example of a sitting president winning another term.
• Basiru questioned the organisational strength of the political platform associated with Obi and Kwankwaso.
• He maintained that the APC is confident Nigerians will re-elect Tinubu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Ajibola Basiru say about Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso?

Basiru dismissed their confidence about defeating Tinubu and described them as “poor students of history,” adding that they might be suffering from “partial amnesia.”

Why did Basiru mention Muhammadu Buhari?

He cited Buhari’s 2019 re-election as an example of a sitting president winning another term while his party also secured victories in several states.

What did Kwankwaso say about the APC?

According to the source article, Kwankwaso argued that the APC could lose despite controlling more than 30 states and cited Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 defeat as an example.

What did Basiru say about the opposition’s organisation?

He claimed that the party associated with Obi and Kwankwaso does not have governorship candidates in at least 12 states and lacks National Assembly candidates in many constituencies.

Does Basiru’s statement mean APC will definitely win in 2027?

No. Basiru’s comments represent his political assessment and confidence in the APC. They do not establish the eventual result of the 2027 election, which will be determined through the electoral process.

What To Watch

The exchange between Basiru, Obi and Kwankwaso reflects an emerging debate over the factors that could determine the 2027 presidential election.

While opposition figures are expressing confidence that the APC can be defeated, Basiru is presenting the ruling party as electorally prepared and confident of retaining the presidency.

The significance of those competing positions will ultimately depend on how the political parties organise their campaigns, field candidates and persuade voters as the 2027 electoral contest develops.