Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 general elections will not be a typical clash between political parties, but rather a confrontation between the Nigerian people and a government that, in his words, has “plunged the nation into untold suffering.”
Atiku was responding to recent political defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa—his running mate in the 2023 presidential election—from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting on his verified Facebook page, Atiku made it clear he holds no ill will over the defections.
“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 his views have been widely sought since the political realignments began.
“I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.”
According to Atiku, what’s unfolding is more than just inter-party dynamics.
“The coming political battle is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering. The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.”
On his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, which sparked criticism in some quarters, Atiku defended his action, referencing historical political consultations.
“Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari. 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, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna?”
He continued “If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines. When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called 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!”
Positioning himself as a leader open to coalition-building, Atiku emphasized the need for unity against what he called government incompetence.
“This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure. 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.”
He concluded with a sharp critique of the current administration’s leadership:
“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.”
