The 2023 presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has stated that he holds no grudges against those who have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This comes after several notable PDP members, including the current Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa—Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 election—defected to the ruling party.
Okowa’s defection has shocked many, especially given his previous criticism of the APC-led administration. However, as is often said in politics, particularly Nigerian politics, "all man for himself."
Taking to his X page, Atiku wrote:
“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.
"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.”
Atiku emphasized that, as someone who holds firmly to these democratic values, he does not harbor resentment toward anyone for exercising their right to political alignment.
“Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.”
He also addressed criticism he received for visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari, a key figure in the APC.
“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? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines.”
Atiku called for unity, stressing that the real battle ahead is not between APC, PDP, or LP, but against the current administration, which he accuses of causing immense suffering for Nigerians.
“Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels.”
He urged Nigerians to resist attempts to divide the nation along religious, ethnic, or regional lines, warning that such tactics are tools of manipulation.
Finally, he criticized the Tinubu-led administration, saying:
“It has no achievements and no credibility to stand on. Its only strategy is chaos and division, because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent.”
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