Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed speculation that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his unwavering commitment to the opposition party.
Amid widespread rumours suggesting he might be considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku made it clear that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP. The speculation was fuelled further by recent comments from his 2023 running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who hinted at the possibility of Atiku making a political switch but declined to give specifics.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by female members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), led by former Minister Hajia Inna Ciroma, Atiku reassured the party faithful of his dedication to the PDP’s revival and its role in challenging the APC’s governance.
“I’m not leaving the PDP,” Atiku reportedly told the delegation. “This is not just about politics—it’s a necessity. We need to join hands, even across party lines, to rescue this country.”
He drew historical parallels to the Second Republic’s NPN-NPP alliance, highlighting how collaboration helped stabilise the country politically. Atiku noted that any coalition efforts going forward would not dissolve the PDP’s identity, but instead strengthen its capacity to deliver real change.
The visit by the PDP BoT women was part of an initiative to rally support and address growing concerns about internal crises and defections within the party. Speaking after the meeting, Hajia Ciroma said the women were acting as “mothers of the party,” stepping in to fill a leadership vacuum and prevent further fragmentation.
“We believe in the PDP, and we will do everything we can to safeguard its future,” she said.
