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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dismissed the wave of endorsements recently showered on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by governors and stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC), characterizing the trend as a manifestation of fear, uncertainty, and desperation within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking through his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, Atiku stated that the growing coalition of opposition forces remains confident in its capacity to dislodge the APC government come 2027.
He stressed that the endorsements are hollow gestures that do not reflect the true sentiments of ordinary Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and a general decline in quality of life under the Tinubu administration.
Ibe likened the current situation to a student thoroughly prepared for an examination, implying that the opposition coalition is focused, ready, and assured of victory. He said:
“When you’ve prepared diligently for an exam, you can sleep soundly the night before, waking up assured of success. That’s the position of our coalition. Nigerians are the ultimate judges. Their endorsements will determine the outcome, not the political manoeuvrings of the ruling party.”
He further described the flurry of endorsements from APC governors as a strategic distraction meant to conceal the administration’s inability to address critical issues affecting Nigerians. He painted a grim picture of the country under Tinubu, citing rising insecurity—particularly the resurgence of insurgents reclaiming territories in Borno State and other areas—as evidence of failed leadership.
“Insecurity is at an unprecedented level, with territories being reclaimed by insurgents. The cost of living is unbearable. Families can barely feed themselves, access healthcare, or send their children to school. School fees are due, and many households are overwhelmed by economic burdens. Yet the government seems preoccupied with political theatrics instead of addressing these real challenges.”
In a sharp critique, Ibe accused the Tinubu administration of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies to coerce opposition politicians into defecting to the APC. According to him, many of the recent defections are not acts of genuine political alignment but results of pressure tactics and political blackmail.
“Politicians are being held hostage and compelled to defect. Many are being targeted with corruption allegations, often instigated by both former and current administrations. These individuals are being forced to ‘pay ransom’ through defections. What happened in Delta State is a prime example. Even the so-called ‘quiet bomb’ some speculate about is tied to past crimes now being used as bargaining chips to force defections.”
Meanwhile, Alhaji Umar Bature, the PDP’s National Organising Secretary, echoed Atiku’s sentiments, dismissing the notion that endorsements automatically translate to electoral victory. He pointed to historical precedents, notably the 2015 general elections, where former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite being endorsed by 21 governors, still lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
“Tinubu may have 22 endorsements, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. Endorsements are not what win elections. The real issue is governance—whether the president has delivered for the Nigerian people. Endorsements are often a cosmetic show of support, meant to create an illusion of popularity when, in reality, the people are suffering.”
Bature stressed that the current political climate is marked by discontent and a growing realization among Nigerians that cosmetic endorsements cannot mask poor performance. He dismissed claims of internal crisis within the PDP, asserting that disagreements and expressions of opinion among members are natural in a democratic setup.
“There is no crisis. Members are simply expressing their views. If anyone chooses to leave, time will reveal their motivations. These issues have a way of resolving themselves.”
Both Atiku and the PDP appear to be doubling down on their belief that the real determinants of political success in 2027 will be performance, public trust, and tangible improvements in people’s lives—not endorsements or defections.