Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has shut down rumors of plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP during a meeting with the party’s female Board of Trustees (BoT) members. The visit was part of a broader effort to address the PDP’s internal crisis and chart a new path forward.
Plans for a United Opposition
Atiku told the delegation that he is working to build a broad, pan-Nigerian coalition aimed at removing the APC from power in 2027. He described the effort not just as political strategy, but as a national necessity. He assured the women that the PDP would remain at the center of this alliance. Atiku stressed that the coalition would not erase the party’s identity. Instead, it would draw from historical examples, like the NPN-NPP Accord of the Second Republic, to strengthen the opposition’s reach.
Grassroots Movement Taking Shape
According to Atiku, the coalition is already taking form. He is actively engaging political leaders and stakeholders across regions. The goal is to rebuild Nigeria from the ground up, with grassroots participation leading the charge.
PDP BoT Women Voice Concerns
Speaking to Vanguard, former Minister of Women Affairs and PDP ex-National Women Leader Hajia Inna Ciroma shared details from the meeting. She said the PDP’s BoT women are worried about the current leadership vacuum in the party.
“No organization can function effectively without leadership,” she said.
Ciroma explained that they met Atiku to share their concerns and find solutions. She confirmed that Atiku ruled out leaving the PDP and spoke extensively about the coalition plan.
“We also discussed party funding,” she added. “We believe a well-funded party will prevent any one individual from dominating its affairs.”
The meeting ended with renewed commitment to rescue and rebuild the PDP from within.
