Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that millions of Nigerians are switching political allegiance out of sheer survival necessity, distinguishing their motivations from those of governors defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) .
In a statement released on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku reacted to the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC . While acknowledging every politician’s right to choose their platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain argued that the wave of opposition governors joining the APC reflects pressure and intimidation rather than genuine support .
Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of weaponising state institutions against political opponents in what he described as a desperate bid to create a one-party state .
“This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people,” the statement read .
Drawing a sharp contrast between political elites and ordinary citizens, Atiku emphasized that while governors may defect for personal protection, the masses are driven by fundamental survival concerns amid escalating hardship .
“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival,” he stated .
The former vice president questioned what the APC would campaign on in 2027, listing “hunger, hardship, hopelessness” as the realities confronting Nigerians under current economic policies . He warned citizens not to confuse political cross-carpeting with popularity or sell their votes, insisting that the 2027 election would be a referendum on President Tinubu and the APC .
“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 .
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