The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted claims by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that members of the ruling party are participating in his newly formed political coalition.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, speaking to journalists in Abuja, described Atiku's assertions as deceptive, emphasizing that no genuine APC member would join such an alliance against President Bola Tinubu.

"Atiku is being deceived. The APC is not involved in any such coalition. As a party, we are focused, growing stronger daily, and not bothered by his political theatrics," Ibrahim stated.

The APC spokesman further suggested that any party member supposedly engaging with Atiku might be misleading him deliberately. "If any APC member is speaking with him, they're probably stringing him along, as has happened repeatedly in the past," he added.

Ibrahim also pointed to Atiku's previous unsuccessful coalition attempts, noting, "Each time he engages in coalitions, he ends up losing. That's the pattern."

The controversy began when Atiku, during a meeting with stakeholders from Kogi East Senatorial Zone led by former Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, claimed that his coalition included members from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP).

Atiku recently announced the formation of this coalition with the explicit aim of wresting power from President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. At the coalition's launch, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-presidential running mate Tanko Yunusa, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai were reportedly present.

The APC's firm denial suggests growing political maneuvering as Nigeria's political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, with opposition figures already forming alliances to challenge the incumbent administration.