April 25, (THEWILL) – Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has accused some party leaders of aligning with President Bola Tinubu, warning that the 2027 general election would be a battle between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), not a contest among political parties.
Atiku made the remarks on Friday in a statement reacting to the recent defection of his 2023 running mate and former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the PDP political structure in Delta State, to the APC.
THEWILL earlier reported the political realignment in Delta, which saw key PDP figures switch allegiance to the ruling party.
In his response, Atiku said he holds no grudge against Okowa and others, describing their decision as an exercise of their constitutional rights.
He said, “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.
“Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again,” he added.
Atiku, however, criticised what he described as double standards within the PDP, questioning why his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari drew public backlash, while other PDP leaders engage freely with President Tinubu.
He said, “Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.
“During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me to visit Buhari in Kaduna?
“When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called a strategic alliance. But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!”
He insisted that the real political battle in 2027 would not be between the APC, PDP, or Labour Party but between the Nigerian people and an administration that has, according to him, failed disastrously.
“The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so,” he said.
Atiku warned against divisive political rhetoric and urged Nigerians to remain focused.
He said, “We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.
“The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on, no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division, because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent. And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
