Gale of Defections Won’t Derail Us from Defeating Tinubu in 2027 — Atiku’s Coalition
By Omeiza Ajayi
Abuja – The political coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says it remains unfazed by the wave of defections hitting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including the recent exit of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Salihu Moh. Lukman downplayed the governor’s defection, noting that such moves had long been anticipated.
“Anyone who says this is unexpected is only deceiving themselves. The signals have been there. And it’s not just one governor – more are likely to follow,” Lukman said.
He added that the PDP’s internal crisis and history of godfatherism and candidate imposition have weakened the party, driving many leaders to seek greener pastures in the ruling APC.
Despite this, Lukman insists the coalition’s mission remains unchanged: to offer Nigerians a viable alternative in the 2027 general elections, ending the APC’s stranglehold on power and restoring true democratic choice.
“Our initiative is to ensure Nigerians have real options come 2027. These defections won’t distract us. We’ve gone far in our planning, and soon, the full details of the coalition’s structure and strategy will be unveiled.”
He emphasized that the coalition isn’t merely focused on defeating President Bola Tinubu, but on correcting the systemic failures of successive governments — from the Buhari era to the current administration.
“We’re not just here to win an election. We want to rebuild Nigeria — to correct the mistakes of the past and give citizens leaders they can truly be proud of.”
Lukman also urged PDP leaders who remain committed to reform to seize the moment and rebuild the party from within, potentially aligning with the coalition in its broader national rescue mission.
“If the PDP can shed its old culture and embrace internal democracy, it could become a key partner in the project to rebuild Nigeria.”
As defections continue and political alliances shift ahead of 2027, Atiku’s coalition appears determined to stay the course — focused on what it sees as a higher calling: restoring Nigeria’s democratic integrity and national pride.
