Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he holds no grudges against politicians leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for other political platforms, describing freedom of association as a key pillar of democracy.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement on Friday, following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Also, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole Oke, dumped the PDP for the APC on the same day.
Addressing the situation, Atiku said, “Freedom of association and expression are fundamental rights in any democracy. Alongside credible elections, the rule of law, and accountability, they are the foundation of a just society. Without them, democracy itself is at risk.”
He stressed that political movements, defections, and realignments are normal features of a healthy democracy. “I bear no grudges against anyone for making political choices. We have seen defections before, and we will see them again,” he added.
Atiku also reacted to criticisms over his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing his detractors of hypocrisy and selective outrage.
He said, “Buhari is a former leader and a key figure in Nigeria’s political history. During the 2013 merger that led to the formation of the APC, political leaders consulted widely, including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now a problem that I visited Buhari?”
He condemned the double standards of some PDP members, noting that, “When PDP leaders meet with President Tinubu, it is termed strategic; but when I meet Peter Obi, El-Rufai, or Buhari, it becomes an issue. The politics of selective outrage must stop.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Atiku declared that the real battle was between the Nigerian people and the Tinubu administration, not among opposition figures.
“This is about collective survival. The real enemy is the Tinubu administration’s failure to deliver good governance. They have no achievements to show, only division and chaos. Nigerians must reject all distractions based on ethnicity, religion, or region,” he said.
Atiku warned that continued incompetence in leadership poses a grave risk to the country. “An incompetent captain does not just sink the ship; he endangers everyone on board,” he concluded.
