The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has once again come under heavy criticism for his habitual defection from one political party to another, a pattern many Nigerians have likened to “changing parties like clothes.”
His persistent movement across party lines has been widely viewed as driven by personal ambition rather than any ideological conviction or commitment to national development.
Critics have also condemned Atiku’s recent political manoeuvres, especially given the timing of his latest defection. Many argued that his focus on political calculations, rather than showing respect during a period of national mourning, was in poor taste and demonstrated a lack of sensitivity. Atiku was chastised for “carrying political matters on his head,” as some put it, while the nation was still grieving the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Adding his voice to the criticisms, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), strongly rebuked Atiku for what he described as a poorly timed and ill-considered defection.
Keyamo noted that Atiku’s political switch occurred during the official seven-day mourning period declared by the Federal Government in honour of the late President Buhari. According to Keyamo, Atiku’s decision reflected insensitivity to the mood of the nation and a disregard for decency during a solemn time.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has weighed in on the broader political landscape, particularly addressing concerns about the stability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in light of emerging political coalitions, such as the alliance being formed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political actors. Makinde categorically dismissed any notion that such coalitions pose a genuine threat to the PDP’s relevance or cohesion.
Makinde emphasised that political figures and alliances may come and go, but what is paramount is the enduring stability and progress of Nigeria as a nation.
“Players will always come and go — governors will come and go, presidents will come and go — but our states and the country will remain,” he stated. “What truly matters is the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation, not the fleeting ambitions of individual politicians.”
Challenging the credibility of these new coalitions, Makinde questioned the motivations and integrity of those involved. “Who exactly are these people coming together to form a coalition?” he asked pointedly.
“Many of them have been notorious for switching allegiances — moving from the PDP to the APC, and then back again. Have they genuinely changed? Have they repented? And more importantly, what new or transformative ideas are they even offering to the Nigerian people?”
With these remarks, Makinde not only expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience but also cast doubt on the sincerity and competence of opposition alliances being hurriedly cobbled together ahead of the next electoral cycle.