Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has addressed the flurry of inquiries from Nigerians regarding recent political defections and his own engagements, urging citizens to focus on the nation’s deepening crises rather than divisive distractions.
In a statement shared via his Facebook page, Atiku, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles, including freedom of association and expression.
“Defections and alliances are normal in democracy,” he said, dismissing6 criticism over his visits to former President Muhammadu Buhari and other political figures like Peter Obi and Nasir el-Rufai.
He called out the hypocrisy of those who applaud PDP leaders’ “strategic alliances” with President Bola Tinubu but condemn his own interactions as controversial.
Atiku framed the real battle as “Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering.” He highlighted the collapsing economy, soaring inflation, vanishing jobs, and rising youth unrest, accusing the Tinubu administration of relying on “chaos and division” to mask its lack of achievements.
“An incompetent captain endangers everyone on board,” he warned, urging Nigerians to reject ethnic, regional, or religious manipulations.
Calling for unity, Atiku emphasized that the fight is not between political parties but against a failing government.
“Nigerians are angry, and rightfully so,” he said, stressing the need for collective action to address the nation’s survival.