Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed reports suggesting his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections. Refuting the claims, Atiku labeled the reports as “pure lies” and urged Nigerians to disregard them.
In a statement personally signed by Atiku and made available via his account on the X platform, he affirmed his loyalty to the PDP while accusing President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating the story to pursue personal agendas instead of focusing on governance.
He said: “I have been inundated with calls from our party members, supporters, and concerned Nigerians regarding the fabricated story in The Nation, Tinubu’s ragtag, alleging my departure from the @OfficialPDPNig.
“Let me be unequivocal: this is pure mischief, devoid of truth. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty to the PDP while advocating the swift merger of opposition parties. The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.
“Tinubu’s relentless pursuit of personal agendas at the expense of national governance is glaring. His myopic focus on 2027 betrays a disregard for the pressing needs of the populace. It’s high time he ceased his bumbling escapades and prioritised the welfare of the people.
“My media team is vigorously countering his baseless claims. Let this be a wake-up call to all: the pursuit of power must not overshadow the imperative of effective governance. Together, let us propel Nigeria forward, leaving behind the antics of political charlatans.”
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the PDP, condemned the allegations of him planning to abandon the party, labeling those behind the rumors as “mischief makers.” He emphasized that there is no truth to the speculation of him leaving the PDP.
Atiku’s statement highlights the complex political landscape in Nigeria, where conjecture and hearsay frequently overshadow the discourse leading up to elections. His resolute response not only clarifies his position but also underscores his unwavering allegiance to the PDP, dispelling any lingering rumors of defection.