Politics

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

Published

8 months ago

April 25, 2025

OCHEFA

231 Views

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”

Related Topics:Featured Political defections Political rights

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Politics

Why I quit PDP – Plateau Governor Mutfwang

The resignation marks a significant political development in Plateau state and is expected to generate reactions within local political circles, given Mutfwang’s involvement and contributions to the PDP activities over the years.

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

OCHEFA

9 Views

Governor of Plateau State , Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang., has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need to pursue purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and effective service delivery through an alternative political platform.

In a resignation letter dated 29th December, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP, Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area, Mutfwang announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect.

Explaining the reason for his decision, Governor Mutfwang noted that the prevailing political realities and his personal commitment to purposeful leadership and service delivery compelled him to seek an alternative platform better aligned with his vision.

The letter, which was officially received and acknowledged by the ward leadership on 30th December, 2025, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it provided him to participate in the democratic process.

Mutfwang acknowledged the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during his time in the party, describing the experience as one for which he remains deeply grateful.

Politics

Atiku welcomes Peter Obi to ADC

Atiku, in a post on X on Tuesday, described Obi’s entry into the ADC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics and expressed optimism about working together to build a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

Published

1 day ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

36 Views

• Atiku and Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following Obi’s official defection to the party.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku wrote.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.

Politics

Peter Obi officially defects to ADC party

Obi said that his defection ahead of the 2027 election is aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria.

Published

1 day ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

39 Views

Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 has officially joined the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi announced his defection in Enugu on Wednesday, December 31,2025.

Obi said that his defection ahead of the 2027 election is aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” he declared.

“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027, he added.

Obi also urged opposition leaders to come together as a family under the leadership of David Mark to rescue Nigeria.

Those present at the event

Those present at the event included former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other dignitaries.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh,Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Enyinnya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu; as well as several other Senators and members of the House of Representatives were also in attendance.

(Vanguard)