A major bloc of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s supporters from the 19 northern states has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors, who were part of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups during the 2023 elections, officially announced their switch at an event in Abuja on Friday.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau received the defectors, who pledged their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Representatives from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attended the event, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
Why They Left Atiku for APC
The coalition’s coordinator, Abubakar Malami, explained that their decision was influenced by discussions with Deputy Senate President Barau and by their observations of Tinubu’s governance.
Malami stated, “In the 2023 general election, we mobilized across the nooks and crannies of the North to campaign for Atiku Abubakar. We did this because we believed he could address the insecurity and economic hardship in our region.”
However, he noted that after nearly two years of Tinubu’s presidency, there has been a noticeable improvement in security and economic stability. “Twenty-two months into President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, we can see peace returning to our region. Farmers are going back to their farms, and the prices of food items are stabilizing,” he said.
Malami also praised Tinubu for establishing the North West Development Commission, describing it as a “game changer” that will accelerate development in the region.
He declared, “In 2027, we will work for the continuation of President Tinubu’s administration. Our sincere appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, for his efforts in addressing our region’s challenges. He is the Sardauna Arewa of our time.”
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APC Leaders Welcome the Defectors
Reacting to the defection, Deputy Senate President Barau described it as a “big catch” for the APC.
Barau said, “We are making a big catch today. President Tinubu is a good man who is working hard to reposition Nigeria into a land of prosperity. It is good that you now recognize his efforts and have chosen to join us.”
Barau assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the APC and encouraged them to be active members of the party.
National Chairman Ganduje also welcomed the defectors, praising their courage in switching allegiance. He said, “You are welcome to our party. After fasting, all your members will gather in Abuja under the leadership of Senator Barau, where we will invite Mr. President, the Vice President, the Senate President, and the Speaker to formally receive you.”
Ganduje then took a swipe at the PDP, claiming the party was in decline. “This defection marks the collapse of the PDP, not just in the North but across Nigeria,” he declared.
He also referenced the upcoming Anambra governorship election, claiming, “The PDP extended its screening deadline because nobody showed up. The extension expired, and still, nobody came forward. The party is crumbling at a fantastic rate.”
A Major Political Shift in the North
The mass defection of Atiku’s northern supporters to the APC signals a significant political shift in the region, which has long been a stronghold for the PDP. The move strengthens Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027, as the defectors have vowed to campaign for him.
With political realignments already taking shape, the battle for the 2027 general elections is intensifying.