The response came on Wednesday from the APC’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Seye Oladejo, following reports that Atiku, the PDP’s presidential flagbearer in 2019 and 2023, had formally exited the party. Atiku’s decision, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stemmed from what he described as irreconcilable internal divisions and the party’s failure to function as a credible opposition.
Though not officially a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku’s political movement has reportedly aligned with the ADC as its new platform for the 2027 elections. This move signals his intent to forge a broader coalition to challenge the APC's electoral hold.
In his reaction, Oladejo dismissed Atiku’s latest political shift as both “desperate” and “predictable,” arguing it reflects not just the implosion of the PDP but also what he called Atiku’s lack of ideological consistency.
“Atiku’s actions reflect ambition without principle, not driven by ideology but by relentless personal pursuit,” Oladejo stated.
The APC spokesman added that the former vice president’s move would neither improve the ADC’s electoral chances nor dent the APC’s nationwide strength. He said Nigerians remain politically informed and are not likely to be influenced by frequent political realignments driven by personal ambition.
“Whether PDP, ADC, or any other platform, Nigerians remain politically aware and will not be swayed. The APC stands as the only party delivering real governance, economic gains, and solid infrastructure,” he said.
Oladejo urged APC supporters, especially in Lagos, to remain unified and committed to grassroots mobilisation, noting that the party’s success is anchored on its performance and its people-first agenda.
“Victory depends on our unity, past performance, and focus on people-centred development,” he added.
He also suggested that Atiku’s political history is marked by instability, warning that Nigerians deserve more than what he called “recycled politics” and “theatrical comebacks.”
“Nigerians deserve visionary leadership, not theatrical comebacks. APC is prepared to lead and win,” Oladejo concluded.
NAN further reported that Atiku’s camp is not alone in the defection to ADC, as several opposition figures from the PDP and Labour Party have also recently aligned with the party in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
Context
Atiku’s departure from the PDP underscores a deepening crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition bloc, which has struggled to maintain cohesion and relevance since losing power in 2015. His defection to ADC, or at least alignment with it, may be intended to recreate a broad coalition similar to what brought the APC to power a decade ago.
However, critics argue that Atiku’s repeated party-switching has eroded his credibility and may alienate voters seeking stability and clear ideological direction. For the APC, the key challenge may not be Atiku’s manoeuvring but public sentiment regarding governance outcomes, especially in areas like economy, security, and youth employment.
0 Comments