Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly denied reports suggesting he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing such claims as “a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic.” The statement, released Saturday by his media office, comes amid growing speculation about his political future following his defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
The 2023 PDP presidential candidate clarified that while he advocates for a coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, this strategy includes—rather than excludes—the PDP. Atiku emphasized that his vision involves uniting opposition forces to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties—the PDP inclusive,” the statement read, addressing rumors that have circulated in political circles about his potential departure from the party where he has maintained a significant presence for years.
The former Vice President’s media team further explained that Atiku’s recent calls for opposition unity have been misinterpreted as signals of his intention to abandon the PDP. They stressed that such allegations contradict the very coalition-building efforts he champions.
“Hence, it is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping PDP ship. Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country,” the statement continued.
The declaration comes at a time of significant political realignment in Nigeria, as parties begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle. Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times, remains a key figure in Nigerian opposition politics.
Political analysts suggest that Atiku’s emphasis on coalition-building reflects lessons learned from previous elections, where a fractured opposition has often benefited the ruling party. By maintaining his PDP membership while advocating for broader collaboration, Atiku appears to be pursuing a dual strategy of party loyalty and strategic alliance-building.
The statement forcefully concluded that “Atiku remains a principal bonafide member of the PDP, the main opposition party,” and characterized contrary reports as deliberate attempts to “confuse Nigerians about the magnitude of the grand coalition that is at work to rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.”
The rumors about Atiku’s possible defection gained traction in recent weeks as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve following the 2023 elections. Some reports had suggested that disappointment with internal PDP dynamics might push the former Vice President to seek alternative political platforms for his ambitions.
Atiku’s political journey has included previous movements between parties, including a stint with the APC before returning to the PDP ahead of the 2019 elections. This history has perhaps contributed to the credibility of rumors about potential new political alignments.
However, the unequivocal denial from his media office indicates that, at least for now, Atiku sees his political future within the PDP framework, albeit as part of a broader opposition coalition.
The concept of a “grand coalition” referenced in Atiku’s statement points to an emerging strategy among opposition figures who believe that only through unified action can they effectively challenge the APC’s dominance in Nigerian politics. This approach acknowledges the difficulties faced by opposition parties operating independently against the resources and incumbency advantages of the ruling party.
Political observers note that coalition-building in Nigerian politics has historically proven challenging, with personality clashes and competing ambitions often undermining unity efforts. Atiku’s focus on this strategy suggests he may be working to address these historical obstacles.
As 2027 approaches, the political maneuvering among opposition leaders is expected to intensify. Atiku’s clarification about his party membership represents an early marker in what promises to be a complex process of alliance formation and strategy development.
For the PDP, retaining Atiku’s membership is significant as the party works to rebuild following electoral disappointments. As one of Nigeria’s most recognizable political figures, Atiku brings substantial political capital to any party or coalition.
The timing of this statement, coming well ahead of the next election cycle, indicates the importance Atiku places on clarifying his position early and shaping the narrative around opposition unity on his terms. It also reflects the heightened attention on his movements in a political environment where party loyalties are often fluid.
Whether Atiku’s vision of a grand coalition materializes remains to be seen, but his declaration of continued PDP membership establishes a foundation from which he can pursue both party politics and broader opposition collaboration in the coming years.
