The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, has declared that the North remains firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ambition despite widespread rumours suggesting a plot against him.
Bashiru made this assertion on Monday in Ibadan while speaking at a media roundtable organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B. Zone B of the NUJ, led by Mrs Ronke Afebioye-Samo, comprises all six states in the South-West.
Speaking at the event, Bashiru dismissed speculations of a northern conspiracy to thwart Tinubu’s 2027 bid, describing such claims as “a lie from the pit of hell.”
“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,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance, Bashiru added, “I am not a flimsy person. I guide myself by Amilcar Cabral’s words: ‘Tell no lies, claim no easy victories.’”
According to the APC scribe, the president continues to enjoy overwhelming acceptance across northern cities such as Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe. He stressed that the North’s support for Tinubu is unwavering, citing spontaneous street celebrations in places like Kano, Katsina, and Gombe.
He also highlighted the popularity of Dauda Kahutu Rarara’s song, ‘Omo Ologo,’ dedicated to Tinubu, which he said has become an anthem across many northern communities.
Bashiru dismissed the coalition of opposition parties under the African Democratic Congress as a “mushroom party” and a mere “contraption” occupied by self-centred politicians with little or no relevance.
He maintained that APC’s grassroots structures in the North are solidly in support of Tinubu’s 2027 ambition, naming Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara among the states where the party enjoys robust backing.
According to Bashiru, key northern political leaders are rallying behind President Tinubu, unlike those peddling what he termed “beer-parlour gossip.”
He categorically stated that there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031,” urging opposition figures nursing presidential ambitions to exercise patience.
“Those voting for our party are Nigerians, not Togolese, Cameroonians, or foreigners,” he stated, arguing that APC’s consistent success in recent and off-cycle elections — with a win rate exceeding 75 percent — demonstrates its widespread national acceptance.
Bashiru also lauded Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance, pointing to infrastructure strides and the president’s growing popularity across the North.
He further downplayed concerns over the recent resignation of the APC’s former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, insisting it posed neither a crisis nor a threat to the party’s cohesion.
Meanwhile, Bashiru, who has publicly declared his intention to contest the Osun governorship election in 2026, expressed confidence in his prospects, saying his chances are “very bright.”