Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent wave of governors defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the moves are less about ideology and more about personal political survival.
In a statement issued Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku reacted to the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing the trend among opposition governors as a symptom of pressure and intimidation rather than genuine support for the ruling party.
Atiku acknowledged the right of politicians to choose their platforms but warned against reading defections as a sign of strength for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, which he described as a “referendum” on the performance of President Bola Tinubu and his party.
According to the former vice-president, the growing number of defections does not reflect strengthening APC fortunes but instead highlights political pressure on officeholders in opposition-controlled states.
Atiku accused the current administration of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents and limit genuine democratic competition, a tactic he warned could edge Nigeria toward a one-party dominance.
“This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people,” his statement said.
Highlighting economic concerns such as hunger, hardship, and widespread unemployment, Atiku questioned what the APC could realistically campaign on in the 2027 election if defections were seen as its primary argument for support.
He urged Nigerians not to mistake political cross-carpeting for popularity, stressing that citizens should guard their votes and not “trade their future” for short-term gains.
“In 2027, the people will have their say, and their will shall prevail,” he said.
