The All Progressives Congress (APC) is unfazed by opposition parties’ merger talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje said on Friday. Ganduje made the remarks during a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s residence in Daura, Kaduna State, alongside the APC’s National Working Committee.

“We are not worried at all,” Ganduje said, describing the potential merger as an “unworkable alliance destined to fail.” He added that the opposition’s plans are “just history trying to repeat itself” and that the APC is confident in its ability to handle any challenges that may arise.

Ganduje highlighted the APC’s current strength, citing its 21 state governors and describing the party as “still the strongest party in West Africa.” The APC, he said, is focused on retaining power and expanding its reach ahead of 2027. “We are eyeing other states that will come into our fold. Either the governors themselves will come, or we go for election and defeat them to increase our tally,” he said.

The APC’s confidence comes after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited Buhari’s residence earlier on Friday, sparking speculation about potential opposition alliances. Atiku, accompanied by prominent politicians, claimed the visit was for Sallah greetings and not related to coalition talks. “There is a plan for the major political parties to come together and form a strong opposition, but it is not part of our visit,” Atiku clarified.

Atiku shared moments from the visit on his verified X handle, praising Buhari’s humor. “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari… It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, part of Atiku’s delegation, echoed the sentiment that the visit was purely for Sallah homage. The visits to Buhari have stirred political intrigue, particularly with murmurs of a realignment of forces ahead of 2027.