Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has weighed in on the defection of his former running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that freedom of association remains a fundamental right in a democracy.
Atiku, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, emphasized that he holds no grudge against Okowa or any politician who chooses to switch party affiliations. According to him, the right to associate politically is guaranteed by the constitution and should be respected by all.
“I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party,” he said.
“Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights.”
Atiku acknowledged that defections and political realignments are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing them as part of the democratic process. However, he warned that the focus ahead of the 2027 elections should not be about political parties but about rescuing Nigeria from bad governance.
“The coming political battle is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering,” he stated.
He went on to criticize the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of mismanaging the economy, fueling inflation, and failing to provide jobs and security for Nigerians.
“The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so,” he said.
Atiku also responded to criticisms following his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that such engagements are not unusual and should not be misinterpreted.
“During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders visited Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me to visit Buhari? If you believe in freedom of association, you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage,” he explained.
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He described the backlash as “hypocrisy” and called on Nigerians to reject divisive politics, urging unity in confronting what he described as the “incompetence” of the current administration.
“This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure,” he said.
Atiku concluded by urging Nigerians to remain focused on demanding accountability and good governance rather than being distracted by political drama.
