Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 general election will be a direct confrontation between the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Nigerian people, insisting that defections into the party will not automatically translate into grassroots support.
Atiku, a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress, made this known on Friday in a statement released by his media office. He was reacting to the defection of Ahmadu Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
Fintiri had earlier announced his move in a statewide broadcast, explaining that his decision was driven by what he described as the developmental interests of Adamawa State. He disclosed that he joined the APC alongside members of his cabinet, PDP officials, and supporters across the state’s 226 wards and 21 local government areas. He was subsequently registered as a member of the party.
Days before the governor’s announcement, 15 out of the 16 PDP lawmakers in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, including Speaker Bathiya Wesley, defected to the APC.
Responding to the development, Atiku noted that political realignments are part of democratic practice and that individuals are free to make their political choices. He added that even members of his family have the liberty to hold independent political views.
However, he argued that the recent wave of defections by opposition figures reflects pressure and intimidation rather than genuine political strength. He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of using state institutions to weaken opposition voices in what he described as an attempt to entrench a one-party system.
According to him, the government is uneasy about accountability, credible elections, and the will of the people. He maintained that no level of political maneuvering could overshadow the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians, including rising hunger, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
“Governors may defect for personal survival,” Atiku said, “but Nigerians are seeking survival in their daily lives.”
He cautioned citizens against mistaking political cross-carpeting for widespread popularity and questioned what the APC would present as its achievements in the next election cycle.
Atiku also urged Nigerians to safeguard their votes and resist inducements, stressing that political power ultimately resides with the electorate.
“In 2027, Nigerians will decide. Their collective will shall prevail,” he stated.
