The All Progressives Congress (APC) has attributed the “catastrophic disintegration” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the political desperation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
APC spokesperson Felix Morka responded to claims made by Atiku, who alleged that the Bola Tinubu-led APC had paid opposition leaders N50 million each in an effort to destabilize opposition parties. Atiku also expressed concerns about Nigeria’s democracy, suggesting that judicial involvement in electoral matters posed a risk to the nation’s democratic processes.
In his statement, Morka accused Atiku of deflecting responsibility for the issues plaguing the PDP. He pointed out that it was during Atiku’s tenure as Vice President that the PDP oversaw what was considered one of the worst electoral periods in Nigeria’s history, particularly in the 2003 and 2007 elections. Morka recalled how, under Atiku’s leadership, the PDP allegedly manipulated results in several South-West states and sought to maintain power indefinitely, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s infamous “do or die” remark during those years.
“The elections during Atiku’s time as Vice President were marked by controversy, with widespread allegations of manipulation,” Morka said. “If democracy survived those days, why should it now be in peril when elections are seen as far freer and fairer?”
Morka also defended the role of the judiciary, which Atiku had criticized. He reminded Atiku that the judiciary is constitutionally empowered to resolve electoral disputes, dismissing the former Vice President’s concerns as unfounded.
Addressing Atiku’s allegations regarding the payment of N50 million to opposition leaders, Morka labeled the claim as “bogus and laughable.” He accused Atiku of being the cause of PDP’s internal strife, emphasizing that such allegations were beneath a former Vice President and long-time presidential contender.
Morka concluded by urging Atiku to focus on resolving the issues within his own party rather than making baseless accusations.
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