LAGOS, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar don criticize President Bola Tinubu administration for failing Nigerians, saying dem no get any achievement wey fit justify re-election for 2027. E talk say freedom of association no suppose get resentment, as political shifting don plenty now.
Atiku’s comments come after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, plus House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke, don defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the same day.
On Friday, Atiku release statement wey say: “I dey receive plenty inquiries from Nigerians wey wan understand wetin dey happen for PDP members wey don move to APC. Freedom of association and expression no be optional, na fundamental rights for democracy.”
He further explain say, “Defections and realignments na part of the political game. We don see am many times before.” Atiku also call out those wey dey criticize him visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying their backlash na example of hypocrisy.
“History no suppose dey rewrite: Buhari na significant statesman for Nigeria political landscape. When PDP leaders dey make alliances with Tinubu, e no be problem. But when I greet Peter Obi or visit Buhari, na when dem call am national emergency. Dis na hypocrisy.”
Atiku go on say 2027 elections go be about the people versus Tinubu administration. “Dis fight na for our collective survival against Tinubu’s abysmal failure. We no suppose allow ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments divide us.” E add say Tinubu administration no get anything to show for their time in power.
In a related development, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and hin party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), dey consider their political options. Source talk say dem dey look whether to join APC or align with Atiku coalition.
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, confirm say dem dey explore options, but dem go wait till midterm for Tinubu’s administration before making any solid decision. “We dey talk, but we no go announce anything now,” Johnson talk. “We get three cards on the table: remain in NNPP, form coalition with Atiku, or join APC. We go let our supporters know wetin we dey do soon.”
