Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the 2027 general election will be a direct contest between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on one side, and the Nigerian people on the other.
Atiku made the statement while reacting to the recent defection of Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State.
“Political Realignments Are Not New”
The former presidential candidate noted that political defections are part of Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Every politician is free to choose a path. I respect that right,” Atiku said.
He added that even members of his family are at liberty to take independent political positions.
“Even my children are free to make their own political decisions. However, anyone — including my son — who chooses to stand with Nigerians rather than the APC is standing on the side of patriotism,” he stated.
Atiku dismissed claims that the wave of defections by opposition governors signals growing strength within the APC. Instead, he described it as evidence of mounting pressure and intimidation.
He accused the Tinubu administration of weaponizing state institutions to harass and weaken political opponents in what he described as a desperate attempt to entrench a one-party system.
“This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people,” Atiku declared.
“No Amount of Coercion Can Erase Hardship”
According to him, the daily realities faced by Nigerians cannot be overshadowed by political alignments.
He cited rising hunger, deepening poverty, worsening insecurity, and widespread unemployment as consequences of what he termed failed economic policies.
“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival,” he said.
Atiku urged citizens not to mistake political cross-carpeting for genuine popularity, questioning what achievements the APC would present to voters in 2027.
“What will the APC campaign on in 2027 — hunger? hardship? hopelessness?” he asked.
He reminded Nigerians that ultimate political power rests with the electorate and cautioned against selling their votes.
“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,” Atiku concluded.