Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to the recent wave of defections that rocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, describing the political shifts as part of the democratic process.
The PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, two days after top Delta PDP figures—including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and members of the state executive—defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okowa, who was Atiku’s running mate in the last presidential election, joined other key stakeholders in what has been widely described as a major blow to the PDP in the South-South region.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said he holds no resentment toward those who chose to leave the party, insisting that “defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.”
Meanwhile, the former Vice President also addressed criticisms surrounding his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna. The visit, which was made alongside other northern political figures, sparked backlash from within the PDP, with Chief Bode George accusing Atiku of sidelining party stakeholders while promoting a new coalition campaign.
Justifying the visit, Atiku said Buhari, despite being a member of the APC, remains a “significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape” and deserves the courtesy of engagement.
“Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari,” Atiku said. “Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman. During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders consulted widely—including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. Why should this be different?”
He further took aim at critics who questioned his political associations, saying: “When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called a strategic alliance. But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency.”
Atiku dismissed the backlash as “hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage,” while reiterating his belief in freedom of association for all political actors.
The statement comes amid mounting tensions within the opposition party, as it faces an increasing number of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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