Atiku Abubakar Declares 2027 Election Will Be Nigerians Versus Tinubu Administration, Not Political Parties
In a recent statement, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared that the much-anticipated 2027 presidential election in Nigeria will transcend party lines, framing it as a contest between Nigerians and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku’s remarks come amid a wave of defections from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku made the comments on Friday while addressing the recent political realignments, notably the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and PDP’s last vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, both of whom joined the APC earlier this week.
Acknowledging the dynamics of democratic politics, Atiku emphasized the importance of fundamental democratic rights, including freedom of association and expression. He stated, “Freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy; they are fundamental rights. Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.”
Atiku further clarified his stance on political defections, noting that they are an inherent part of democratic processes. “As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment. Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again,” he said.
The former vice president also addressed criticisms directed at him for recently visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari. He lamented the insults and questioned why such interactions are deemed controversial. “Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.
During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna?
If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines,” Atiku argued.
Highlighting the current challenges facing Nigeria, Atiku painted a grim picture of the nation’s socio-economic landscape under the Tinubu administration. “The coming election is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC.
It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering. The economy is in a freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so,” he said.
Atiku called for unity and focus on the real issues affecting Nigerians, cautioning against divisive tactics. “This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure.
We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer,” he concluded.
As political shifts continue to shape Nigeria’s landscape, Atiku’s remarks underscore the intensifying contestation ahead of the 2027 elections, promising a battle centered on governance and national welfare rather than mere party rivalry.
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