Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that governors and other political leaders defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so for “personal survival” and not because of the party’s performance.
In a statement issued on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku reacted to the recent defection of Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Bola Tinubu-led APC government.
Atiku, who is now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said while every politician has the right to choose any political platform, the growing number of defections to the APC should not be mistaken as proof that the ruling party is popular.
According to him, many of the defections are driven by fear and pressure rather than genuine belief in the APC’s policies.
In recent months, Nigeria’s political scene has witnessed a steady movement of opposition politicians into the APC. Governors, federal lawmakers, and party leaders have crossed over, raising concerns about the future of opposition politics in the country.
The defection of Governor Fintiri is seen as significant because Adamawa State has been a stronghold of the PDP for many years. His move has sparked debate within political circles about what it means for the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku said such political realignments are not new in Nigeria’s history. He noted that politicians have always changed parties when it suits their interests. He added that even members of his own family are free to take independent political decisions.
However, he insisted that the current wave of defections is not a sign of the APC’s strength but rather a reflection of what he described as pressure from those in power.
In his statement, Atiku accused President Tinubu’s administration of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents. He claimed that the government is trying to weaken opposition parties and create a one-party state.
He said, “This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people.”
According to Atiku, governors may defect for personal reasons, but ordinary Nigerians are more concerned about survival in the face of economic hardship.
“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival,” he said.
He questioned what the APC would campaign on in 2027, asking whether it would be “hunger, hardship, or hopelessness.”
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in foreign exchange policy. While the government says the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy, many Nigerians have complained about rising food prices, inflation, and cost of living.
The administration has repeatedly defended its policies, saying short-term pain will lead to long-term gain. But opposition figures like Atiku argue that the hardship is too severe and that more needs to be done to protect ordinary citizens.
Atiku said the 2027 elections will serve as a referendum on President Tinubu and the APC government. He urged Nigerians not to confuse political cross-carpeting with genuine popularity.
“Political cross-carpeting must not be confused with popularity,” he said.
He also called on voters not to sell their votes during the next general elections, warning that doing so would affect the future of their children.
“Do not trade your future. Do not mortgage your children’s tomorrow. In 2027, the people will have their say — and their will shall prevail,” he added.
The 2027 elections are expected to be highly competitive. Nigeria operates a multi-party system, but since 2015, the APC has controlled the federal government. The PDP, which ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, remains the main opposition party, though it has faced internal crises and defections in recent years.
Atiku is one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians. He served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Over the years, he has been a member of both the PDP and the APC.
He was one of the founding members of the APC before returning to the PDP. In November 2025, he defected again, this time to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is now a leading figure.
His political moves have often attracted criticism from opponents who accuse him of frequent party switching. However, his supporters argue that he remains committed to democratic values and economic reforms.
By speaking out against the recent defections, Atiku appears to be positioning himself and his party for a strong opposition role ahead of 2027.
The APC has not officially responded to Atiku’s latest remarks. In the past, the party has defended defections into its fold as proof that its policies and leadership are attracting support.
Reactions among Nigerians have been mixed. Some citizens agree with Atiku’s position, saying economic hardship has made life difficult and that political leaders should focus more on governance than party politics.
Others argue that politicians often defect for strategic reasons and that voters should judge leaders by their performance rather than their party affiliation.
As the political landscape continues to shift, attention is turning to how opposition parties will reorganise themselves. The PDP is still dealing with internal divisions, while smaller parties like the ADC are seeking to expand their influence.
