Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed rumors of his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his unwavering commitment to the opposition party.
Atiku made the declaration when he received a delegation of women from the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by former Minister of Women Affairs and ex-National Women Leader of the party, Hajia Inna Ciroma. The visit was aimed at seeking solutions to the party’s internal crises and preventing its collapse.
The former vice president, who expressed deep concern over the state of the PDP, emphasized the need for a broad-based coalition to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections. He described the proposed coalition not just as a political strategy but as a necessity to rescue and rebuild Nigeria.
Atiku cited the historic NPN-NPP alliance of the Second Republic as a successful model, assuring the women that such a coalition would not diminish the PDP’s identity. He revealed that the movement was gaining momentum, with support from leaders and stakeholders across different political parties and regions. According to him, the initiative is driven by Nigerians eager to reclaim the country from poor governance.
Hajia Ciroma, speaking to journalists after the meeting, explained that the BoT women decided to intervene as concerned mothers of the party. “We are worried about the leadership vacuum and the crises rocking the PDP. No organization can thrive without proper leadership,” she said.
She disclosed that the delegation had fruitful discussions with Atiku, who assured them of his commitment to the party’s revival. “He clarified that he is not leaving the PDP and elaborated on the coalition plans, urging us to support the move. We also discussed the importance of proper party funding to prevent domination by a single individual,” Ciroma added.
The meeting comes amid growing tensions within the PDP, with factions divided over leadership and strategy ahead of the next election cycle. Atiku’s push for a coalition signals a potential shift in opposition politics, as key figures explore alliances to present a united front against the APC.
Political analysts suggest that the success of such a coalition will depend on the ability of opposition leaders to reconcile differences and present a credible alternative to voters. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the PDP’s internal dynamics and Atiku’s influence will remain critical factors in Nigeria’s political landscape.
