EXCLUSIVE: APC Gov Sule reportedly backs Atiku in secret Saudi meeting to oust Tinubu in 2027, pledges funding

Fresh claims have emerged alleging that Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, held a private meeting with former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, amid political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the report, the meeting reportedly took place on March 11, 2026, at the Conrad Jabal Omar Hotel during the lesser hajj, where both men were said to have engaged in closed-door discussions lasting about two hours. The talks allegedly occurred during iftar, the evening meal observed during Ramadan.

Sources cited in the report claimed the meeting focused on political realignments aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with suggestions that Sule may be positioning himself for political advantage should Atiku secure victory.

It was further alleged that discussions included plans to consolidate support in Nasarawa State, with assurances of backing for Sule’s potential senatorial ambition in Nasarawa North. The issue of returning presidential power to northern Nigeria was also reportedly raised.

However, neither camp has confirmed the meeting. Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, stated that while the former vice-president travelled to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj, he was unaware of any such engagement. Similarly, Sule’s spokesman, Ibrahim Addra, confirmed the governor’s presence in Saudi Arabia but said he had no knowledge of the alleged meeting.

The development comes amid increasing political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures exploring alliances and strategies to challenge the incumbent administration.

Observers note that such reports, though unverified, reflect growing tensions and shifting loyalties within Nigeria’s political landscape as key actors position themselves for the next electoral cycle.

Background

As political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify, Nigeria’s political space has witnessed increasing speculation over shifting loyalties, covert alliances, and strategic realignments among key actors. The emergence of alternative platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has further fuelled conversations about a possible coalition strong enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a serial presidential contender, has remained central to opposition calculations, particularly following his reported alignment with the ADC after years within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His long-standing rivalry with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coupled with his extensive political network across the northern region, continues to position him as a formidable figure in the unfolding political contest.

Within the APC, however, concerns have persisted over internal cohesion, especially among northern political elites, where subtle divisions and competing interests are believed to be shaping behind-the-scenes engagements.

It is against this backdrop that reports of a meeting involving Abdullahi Sule and Atiku Abubakar have sparked debate, reflecting the broader uncertainty and strategic manoeuvring defining Nigeria’s pre-2027 political landscape.

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