Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the defection of his 2023 running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Sundiata Post reports that the defections were confirmed on Wednesday. Responding in a statement released Friday, Atiku emphasized that freedom of political association is a core principle of democracy.
“I have received countless inquiries from concerned Nigerians about my views on the recent political developments, particularly the defections,” Atiku said. “Let me be clear: freedom of association and expression are fundamental rights. Without them, democracy crumbles.”
He stressed that he harbors no resentment toward those who chose a different political path, describing defections, alliances, and mergers as natural elements of democratic life. “We have seen them before, and we will continue to see them,” he added.
Addressing criticism he faced for visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, Atiku defended the move, recalling that during the opposition merger talks in 2013, political leaders widely consulted past presidents, including Obasanjo and Babangida.
“Visiting Buhari should not be seen as strange,” he said. “If PDP leaders are negotiating with President Tinubu, it’s called strategy. But when I meet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or Buhari, it’s suddenly an outrage. This is pure hypocrisy.”
Atiku warned that the real political battle is not between parties like the PDP, APC, or LP, but between ordinary Nigerians and an administration that has, according to him, plunged the country into severe hardship.
“The economy is collapsing. Inflation is crushing the people. Jobs are disappearing. Youth unrest is spreading dangerously. Nigerians are angry, and they have every right to be,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians not to be distracted by divisive tactics centered on ethnicity, religion, or region, describing them as tools used by failed leaders to maintain control.
Atiku concluded by accusing the Tinubu administration of incompetence, claiming it relies on chaos and division because it has no credible achievements to present. “An incompetent captain doesn’t just wreck his ship—he endangers everyone on board,” he warned.
