Senator Ajibola Bashiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed rumours of a northern conspiracy against President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, affirming that the North remains firmly supportive.

Speaking on Monday in Ibadan at a media roundtable organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, Bashiru described the alleged gang-up as “a lie from the pit of hell”.

Zone B of the NUJ includes all six states in the South-West and is currently led by Mrs Ronke Afebioye-Samo.

“The North is not ganging up against Tinubu. I say this from a position of knowledge,” Bashiru said. “I am not a lightweight in this matter. I am guided by the words of Amílcar Cabral: ‘Tell no lies, claim no easy victories’.”

He said Tinubu has been warmly received across northern cities such as Katsina, Kano, Kaduna and Gombe, with street celebrations and enthusiastic support from grassroots supporters.

Bashiru also pointed to the widespread popularity of Dauda Kahutu Rarara’s campaign song, Omo Ologo, which he described as an anthem in many northern communities.

He dismissed the ADC-led opposition coalition as “a mushroom party” made up of individuals lacking political relevance.

He further emphasised that the APC’s structures across northern states—such as Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara—remain solidly behind the President.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until 2031,” he declared, urging opposition figures to wait their turn. “What you’re hearing is beer parlour gossip.”

According to Bashiru, APC’s recent performance in off-cycle elections, with a success rate above 75 percent, is proof of its national acceptance.

“Those voting for our party are Nigerians—not Togolese, Cameroonians, or foreigners,” he said.

He credited Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style, infrastructure initiatives, and growing popularity across the North for the party’s momentum.

On internal party matters, Bashiru said the resignation of former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, poses no threat to APC’s unity or strength.

Bashiru, who has declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election, said his prospects are “very bright”.