Former presidential candidate and political heavyweight Atiku Abubakar has put defection rumours to rest, reaffirming his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Amid swirling reports of his alleged move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Atiku has made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
But that’s not all. The former Vice President has also confirmed plans for a grand coalition of opposition parties aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Here’s the full scoop.
Defection Rumours? Not a Chance!
Rumours of Atiku’s defection from the PDP have been making the rounds, with some reports claiming he was finalizing plans to join the SDP. But Atiku’s media office has slammed these claims as “total fallacy” and “unverified information.”
In a statement released on Saturday, his team clarified:
“We wish to state unequivocally that Atiku remains a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party. The so-called news of Atiku defecting to another party holds no merit in logic.”
Atiku himself emphasized that these rumours are nothing more than attempts to sow confusion and undermine the growing opposition coalition.
The Bigger Plan: A Grand Coalition to Rescue Nigeria
While shutting down defection talks, Atiku revealed a much bigger strategy in the works—a coalition of opposition parties, including the PDP, to challenge the APC’s dominance in the 2027 elections.
“Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country,” the statement added.
This coalition, according to Atiku, is not about individual parties but about uniting forces to “rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.”
Why This Matters
Atiku’s denial of defection rumours and his confirmation of a coalition signal a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. The 2027 elections are still a few years away, but the groundwork for a united opposition front is already being laid.
For Nigerians disillusioned with the current administration, this coalition could offer a glimmer of hope. But for the APC, it’s a clear warning: the opposition is getting organized.
What’s Next?
With Atiku firmly in the PDP and leading the charge for a united opposition, all eyes are now on how this coalition will take shape. Will other opposition parties join forces? Can they present a united front strong enough to challenge the APC?
One thing is certain: the road to 2027 is going to be anything but boring.