I want opposition coalition, not leaving PDP — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing reports suggesting he plans to defect to another political platform.

In a statement issued by his media office on Friday, Atiku clarified that his recent advocacy for a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections is not a signal of his departure from the PDP but a strategic move to unite political forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We wish to clarify that the so-called news of Atiku defecting to another party is a total fallacy that holds no merit in logic,” the statement read.

Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, has been at the forefront of calls for a unified opposition to challenge the APC’s grip on power in the next general election.

“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties, the PDP inclusive,” the statement emphasised.

The former vice president believes that only a united front can effectively challenge the APC, which he accuses of inflicting economic hardship and governance failures on Nigerians.

The statement strongly refuted claims that Atiku was planning to leave the PDP, calling such speculation baseless and misleading.

“It is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping the PDP ship. Such an allegation is antithetical to the objective of the grand coalition, which the former Vice President is currently driving alongside other prominent political leaders in the country,” the statement said.

The media office insisted that Atiku remains a “principal bona fide member of the PDP,” which remains the country’s leading opposition party.

As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, Atiku has intensified consultations with key opposition figures to forge a broad alliance against the APC.

His call for unity has sparked speculation about potential mergers, alliances, or even the formation of a new political movement.

While the specifics of the proposed coalition remain unclear, Atiku’s stance suggests he is positioning himself as a central figure in efforts to challenge the APC’s dominance.

The statement warned Nigerians against misinformation, stating that attempts to misrepresent Atiku’s position are aimed at undermining the opposition’s efforts to build a strong electoral challenge in 2027.

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