Atiku Abubakar Blasts APC Defections as ‘Survival Politics’
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the recent wave of defections by opposition governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the moves as acts of “personal survival” rather than reflections of genuine political conviction or popular support.
In a statement released on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the growing trend of governors and key political figures joining the APC does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people but rather a pattern of political self-preservation.
The statement followed the defection of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governor of Adamawa State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC — a development that has intensified political debate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Atiku, while politicians have the constitutional right to freedom of association, Nigerians must not mistake defections for genuine popularity or performance.
Political realignments are part of democratic practice,” the statement read, “but when they are driven by fear, pressure, or personal survival, they do not represent the true aspirations of the electorate.
Atiku maintained that the 2027 election would ultimately be decided by Nigerians at the ballot box, not by the number of governors aligned with the ruling party.
He described the forthcoming polls as a referendum on the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led administration, citing economic hardship, inflationary pressures and security challenges facing the country.
Meanwhile, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku’s position, arguing that the defections signal growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and national direction.
