Atiku Laments Fintiri’s Defection, Tells Tinubu 2027 Will Be You vs. Nigerians

By Eshioromeh Sebastian

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the contest will be a straight fight between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian people.

Atiku made the assertion in statement released by his media office on Friday. The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) framed the upcoming election as a referendum on the policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

“2027: It Will Be Tinubu/APC vs. Nigerians,” the statement read.

Atiku’s declaration comes on the heels of the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While acknowledging the governor’s right to choose his political path, Atiku downplayed the significance of such high-profile departures from the opposition.

He argued that the wave of defections is not a testament to the APC’s popularity but rather evidence of “pressure and intimidation.”

He accused the Tinubu administration of weaponizing state institutions to bully political opponents in a desperate attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

“This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Drawing a sharp contrast between political elites and ordinary citizens, Atiku stated, “Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival.”

He challenged the ruling party to state what it would campaign on in two years, listing the hardships faced by citizens. “What will the APC campaign on in 2027 — hunger? hardship? hopelessness?” he asked.

The former Vice President urged Nigerians not to be swayed by political cross-carpeting and warned against selling their votes, insisting that power ultimately resides with them.

“Do not trade your future. Do not mortgage your children’s tomorrow. In 2027, the people will have their say — and their will shall prevail,” Atiku added.