Atiku Abubakar Affirms Loyalty to PDP Amid Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Vice President and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has firmly denied speculation suggesting he plans to defect from the party in anticipation of the formation of a new political mega platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This clarification was made by Atiku’s long-time media aide, Paul Ibe, during his appearance on the Thursday edition of Politics Today, a political program aired by Channels Television.
Addressing mounting rumors of Atiku’s alleged involvement in a political realignment that could potentially rival both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibe reiterated that Atiku remains committed to the PDP.
“My principal has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party,” Ibe stated. “This is not a matter of speculation or opinion—he has spoken on this publicly and unequivocally. He remains loyal to the PDP, and that should be respected.”
Despite his commitment to the PDP, Ibe acknowledged that Atiku is actively engaging in discussions with key figures across the opposition spectrum. Notably, he confirmed ongoing consultations between Atiku, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“There are ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders, including Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai,” Ibe confirmed. “These talks are part of a broader dialogue focused on the political future of Nigeria and are being held in response to the growing aspirations and demands of the Nigerian people for a more united and effective opposition front.”
While details of the discussions remain private, Ibe indicated that the outcome could potentially reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027. However, he was quick to clarify that these conversations do not amount to a defection from the PDP or an immediate plan to adopt an alternative platform.
The renewed speculation surrounding Atiku’s political intentions comes on the heels of statements from key opposition figures. Just last month, the PDP Governors Forum unequivocally stated that the party would not be entering into any formal coalition or alliance with other opposition parties at this time.
In response to the PDP’s position, Babachir Lawal, a prominent member of the emerging opposition coalition and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, sharply criticized the PDP’s stance, suggesting that the PDP was never seriously considered as a central player in the new alliance being proposed.
Adding to the intrigue, the coalition recently had to refute reports claiming it had adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform of choice. In a brief but pointed statement, Mallam Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC and a key stakeholder in the coalition, dismissed the report as “false and misleading.”
With the 2027 elections on the distant horizon, Nigeria’s political terrain is already witnessing seismic shifts, strategic alliances, and backroom negotiations. Atiku Abubakar’s recent assertions of party loyalty coupled with his active engagement with fellow opposition leaders hint at a delicate balancing act—one that seeks to preserve party loyalty while simultaneously exploring broader consensus-building among opposition forces.
As the conversation surrounding opposition unity gains momentum, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these high-level discussions and the role Atiku may eventually play in shaping Nigeria’s future political direction.