Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians, insisting that the government has no achievements to justify a re-election bid in 2027.
Atiku also maintained that he held no resentment towards those leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for other parties, stressing that freedom of association is a fundamental element of true democracy.
This comes after Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday. Also, a member of the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke, resigned from the PDP and joined the APC the same day.
In a statement on Friday, Atiku said, “I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.
"Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy; they are fundamental rights. Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society — the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble."
He added that he bears no grudges against anyone exercising their right to political realignment, describing defections, alliances, and realignments as natural parts of democratic politics.
Atiku also responded to criticism over his visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the backlash as hypocritical and an example of selective outrage.
“Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in Nigeria’s political landscape," he said. “During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders consulted widely, including visiting Obasanjo and Babangida. Why is it now sacrilegious for me and others to visit Buhari in Kaduna?"
He continued, "When PDP leaders are brokering deals with President Tinubu, it is called strategic alliance. But if I greet Peter Obi, El-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and selective outrage have never been this fashionable."
Looking ahead to 2027, Atiku framed the coming election as a struggle between Nigerians and the Tinubu administration, warning against distractions based on ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments.
“This moment is about collective survival," he declared. "The real enemy is not each other; it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure. We must reject attempts to divide us. The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on, no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division — the last refuge of the incompetent.”
He warned, “An incompetent captain not only wrecks his ship; he endangers everyone on board.”
Kwankwaso Weighs Political Options
Meanwhile, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and his party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), are reportedly exploring new political options ahead of 2027.
A reliable source revealed that the NNPP is considering either aligning with the APC or joining the coalition movement led by Atiku and other prominent political figures.
“What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections. They are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with Atiku’s coalition,” the source said.
Confirming the development, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, told us that discussions were ongoing.
He said, “In the NNPP, we typically wait till midterm — May 29 — when two years will have passed, and two years will remain. That is when proper politicking begins. So yes, we are talking and have been talking, but I still prefer not to mention specific groups or persons.”
Johnson also addressed speculations about Kwankwaso moving to the APC, stating, “There have been many publications insinuating that Senator Kwankwaso’s move to the APC is imminent. Some push that narrative for selfish reasons."
He explained that three options are currently on the table: to remain in the NNPP with existing allies, form a coalition with Atiku and others, or join forces with the ruling APC.
“I am not saying any of these is the case now, but these are the three basic options,” Johnson added.
ADEOLA KUNLE
