Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a major political realignment is unfolding in Northern Nigeria as key support groups of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection, which took place at the A-Class Event Centre in Abuja, saw representatives from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory formally declare their allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The groups, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups, cited their confidence in the leadership of Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, as a key factor in their decision.
Receiving the defectors, APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside Senator Jibrin, welcomed them into the ruling party, hailing the move as a significant political victory.
Speaking at the event, the coalition’s coordinator, Hon. Abubakar Malami, stated that their decision was driven by a desire to support President Tinubu’s administration in tackling national challenges.
“In the 2023 elections, we mobilized support for Atiku Abubakar across the 19 Northern states and the FCT. However, after assessing the progress made under President Tinubu and the commitment of Senator Barau Jibrin to the region’s development, we have decided to realign and work for the continuation of this administration in 2027,” Malami said.
Senator Jibrin, who played a key role in facilitating the defection, described the move as a “big catch” for the APC, emphasizing the importance of unity in driving national progress.
“This is a very positive development. You are now part of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu family, working towards transforming Nigeria into a land of prosperity,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ganduje commended Senator Jibrin for his role in securing the defection, referring to him as a “real general” in political strategy.
With this latest development, political observers anticipate further shifts in the country’s political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.
Comments