Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to growing public inquiries over recent political developments, particularly the defection of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that such moves are intrinsic to democratic practice.
In a strongly worded statement, Abubakar defended the right of political actors to associate freely, saying that democratic values rest on freedoms of expression and association, alongside the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability.
“I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment,” Atiku said, stressing that realignments and shifting alliances are normal in any democracy.
He also addressed criticism over his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling the backlash hypocritical. “During the 2013 opposition merger, consultations with former leaders like Obasanjo and Babangida were routine. Why should a visit to Buhari now be considered controversial?” he queried.
Abubakar accused political rivals of double standards, citing how engagements between PDP figures and President Bola Tinubu are described as strategic, while his own outreach efforts are met with outrage.
Turning his attention to the current administration, the former vice president launched a scathing critique of Tinubu’s leadership, describing the government as a failure on all fronts. “The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry,” he stated.
He urged citizens to look beyond party lines and unite against what he termed “an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering,” warning that divisive politics is being used as a distraction from governance failures.
“The coming political battle is not APC versus PDP,” he said, “It is Nigerians versus a failing government.”
