Atiku Refutes Defection Rumours, Confirms Talks with Obi and El-Rufai
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join a proposed mega opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, clarified Atiku’s position during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.
According to Ibe, Atiku remains firmly in the PDP and has no intention of abandoning the party despite ongoing talks with other political figures. “My principal has said that he wasn’t leaving the PDP, and you have to respect what he has said,” Ibe stated, emphasizing that Atiku’s position has been clear and consistent.
Ibe, however, confirmed that Atiku is currently engaged in discussions with other opposition leaders, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. These conversations, he said, are still ongoing and are focused on building a united front in response to the current national challenges and the aspirations of Nigerians.
“There is an ongoing discussion between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai. Yes, it’s out there in the open. At the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and a direction,” Ibe said.
This statement comes in the wake of tensions between the PDP and the emerging coalition of opposition forces. Just last month, the PDP Governors Forum announced that the party would not engage in any coalition with other opposition groups. In response, a key coalition member, former SGF Babachir Lawal, dismissed the PDP’s relevance, stating that it was never being considered as a serious option for collaboration.
Atiku’s clarification also follows a statement from the coalition distancing itself from reports that it had adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its preferred platform for 2027. Mallam Salihu Lukman, a former APC national officer and active coalition member, dismissed the claim, calling it false and misleading.
While Atiku’s commitment to PDP seems firm for now, his involvement in high-level discussions with leaders from other political camps signals a broader move to reshape the opposition ahead of the next general election.
