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Atiku: “I bear no grudges against PDP Members’ Defectors to APC “

Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights

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Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election wrote today on his official Facebook page :

“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.

Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights.

Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.

As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment.

Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.

We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.

During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida.

So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines.

Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.

When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called strategic alliance.

But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!

Let us be clear: 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.

The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing.

Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.

This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure.

We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.

The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on and no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent.

And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board. -AA”

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Politics

APC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said the adjustment affects only the House of Representatives primary, while the dates for other primaries remain unchanged.

According to the new timetable released by the APC:

  • House of Representatives Primary: Saturday, 16th May, 2026
  • Senate Primary: Monday, 18th May, 2026
  • State House of Assembly Primary: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
  • Governorship Primary: Thursday, 21st May, 2026
  • Presidential Primary: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026

The party assured stakeholders that the shift was necessary and that all other arrangements for the primaries would proceed as planned.

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Makinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)…

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Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the Oyo State governor and his loyalists.

Reports indicate that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.

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Politics

APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Primaries

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The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged all aspirants contesting on the platform of the party to maintain discipline, maturity, and sportsmanship ahead of the 2027 party primaries.

In a statement, Yilwatda said that the APC remains committed to conducting transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.

Yilwatda warned that the party leadership would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the primaries, including violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.

He stressed that any aspirant or supporter found culpable would face severe sanctions, including suspension from the party, adding that no personal ambition should override the collective interest of the APC and national stability.

The APC chairman reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, urging all contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.

According to him, democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of results, while aspirants must see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct should reflect the values and vision of the APC.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting unity within the party, and called on party members and stakeholders to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid divisive actions capable of overheating the political environment or undermining progress already recorded by the administration.

Highlighting achievements of the Tinubu administration, the APC chairman pointed to ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the solid minerals sector.

He noted that the administration’s reforms are aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth, job creation, food security, and the attainment of a one trillion dollar economy through strategic investments and industrial expansion.

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