The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, says the northern part of Nigeria is firmly standing behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid to return in 2027, dismissing claims of a plot against him.
Bashiru made the statement on Monday during a media roundtable held in Ibadan and organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B. The zone includes all six states in the South-West and is currently headed by Mrs Ronke Afebioye-Samo.
Speaking during the event, Bashiru rejected the claims that northern politicians are working against President Tinubu’s re-election, describing such allegations as completely false and misleading.
He said, “It’s a lie from the pit of hell to claim the North is ganging up against Tinubu. I say this from a position of knowledge.”
According to him, President Tinubu continues to receive a warm welcome in several major northern states such as Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Gombe.
Bashiru stressed that these visits are met with public excitement and support, saying the enthusiasm of the people is genuine and wide-reaching.
“I am not a flimsy person. I guide myself by Amilcar Cabral’s words: ‘Tell no lies, claim no easy victories,’” he added, referring to the credibility of his claims.
He also pointed to the popularity of the campaign song ‘Omo Ologo’ by Dauda Kahutu Rarara, saying the tune has turned into a kind of anthem across many communities in the North.
While discussing political alliances, Bashiru dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as nothing more than a “mushroom party” filled with individuals who, in his view, lack any real influence or political weight.
He described them as self-interested figures with little connection to the current political reality.
Bashiru went further to list states like Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara as examples of where APC structures remain very strong.
He also mentioned that many prominent northern leaders are supporting Tinubu’s leadership and campaign, and accused critics of relying on “beer-parlour gossip” to create the impression of disunity.
He said clearly that there would be no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031, and any opposition candidates dreaming of taking over in 2027 should prepare to wait.
“Those voting for our party are Nigerians, not Togolese, Cameroonians, or foreigners,” he stated, defending the legitimacy of APC’s electoral victories.
Bashiru also pointed to the APC’s consistent performance in recent elections, boasting a win rate of over 75 percent as proof of the party’s continued popularity across the country.
He praised President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance, his work on improving infrastructure, and the growing level of trust he enjoys, particularly in the northern region.
When asked about the recent resignation of APC’s former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Bashiru said it posed no threat or problem for the party’s structure or future plans.
Bashiru, who has already declared his intention to run for governor in Osun State in 2026, concluded by saying his chances in that race remain strong.
