On Wednesday, April 30, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar made it clear that he is not leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the recent defection of his 2023 running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking through his media aide Paul Ibe, Atiku said he holds no grudges and respects the democratic right of individuals to choose their political path.
“Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it,” Ibe stated.
“As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association, which is one of the pillars of democracy, without which democracy would be meaningless.”
Ibe also dismissed rumors about Atiku possibly defecting from the PDP:
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not leaving the PDP, and he has said that clearly… As for those talking about him leaving, we don’t know where they are getting that from.”
Atiku’s firm stance follows Okowa’s public expression of regret over joining Atiku’s ticket in the 2023 election. On Monday, April 28, the former Delta State governor said that running with Atiku went against the wishes of many in his region, who didn’t support the idea of another northerner becoming president.
“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power,” Okowa said.
He also suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete eight years in office, adding:
“For the stability of Nigeria, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure, then the presidency can move back to the North.”
