The National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Congress, Ijeoma Arodiogbu, has dismissed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, may be moving toward a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Arodiogbu said there is “no way” the former Kano State governor will team up with Atiku in any coalition.

He stated this in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, following renewed speculation triggered by Atiku’s public show of camaraderie during Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday celebrations two weeks ago.

“Kwankwaso is an experienced politician, and we believe strongly that he will be able to bring that experience to bear if he makes the right decision,” the APC chieftain said.

Arodiogbu expressed confidence that Kwankwaso would find greater political value in working with the ruling party.

“We believe it will be to the best of his advantage to join the APC. If that (rejoining the APC) ever happens, it will be done as soon as possible. Most of these defections are expected to take place before the end of this year.

“There is no way Kwankwaso will leave his party and form an alliance with Atiku. I don’t see that happening,” he added.

When asked if Atiku might have hypothetically offered Kwankwaso a more attractive deal than President Bola Tinubu, Arodiogbu reacted sharply.

He said, “Will he now decamp to join Atiku in whatever party he is? There is no way Atiku can offer him anything meaningful. Even Kwankwaso knows this.

“As an experienced politician, he knows that Atiku has reached the end of his political road. The problem with many people, not just politicians, is that they don’t know when to stop. In every race, there is a stopping point; anything beyond that is a waste of energy.

“So, some politicians have reached their cross-line, and the best thing to do is to stop, especially with people like Atiku. I see Atiku as a man galloping on a two-legged horse. He is no different from a boy drawing a car in the sand with his finger and trying to drive it. Is he going anywhere? That’s how I see Atiku. Kwankwaso is wiser than that and wouldn’t take such a step.”

Arodiogbu’s remarks come amid heightened political manoeuvring in the North, where both Atiku and Kwankwaso retain significant influence.

Atiku recently praised Kwankwaso as a “steadfast patriot” in a widely circulated birthday message, fuelling talk of a possible realignment.

Kwankwaso, however, has publicly denied submitting any letter of intent to join the APC, describing such claims as mere “online statements” without substance. The clarification followed reports that he had allegedly begun talks with the party’s National Chairman behind closed doors.

In a statement released by his media team, Kwankwaso refuted the claims, calling them “online statements” lacking credibility or foundation. The NNPP leadership also dismissed similar reports circulated by APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe as fiction, warning journalists against amplifying unverified speculation.

With the 2027 contest slowly taking shape and the APC seeking to consolidate its northern flank, insiders believe both camps may still be keeping informal channels open.