Atiku Criticises Tinubu Administration, Emphasises Democratic Freedoms Amid Political Realignments.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, criticising its performance and declaring it unworthy of re-election in 2027 due to a lack of tangible achievements.
In a statement released on Friday, Atiku expressed concern over the direction of the country, stating that the government had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians. He also responded to recent political shifts, including defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, both left the PDP for the APC earlier this week. They were joined by Oluwole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, who also resigned from the PDP on the same day.
Addressing these developments, Atiku stressed the importance of democratic freedoms, including the right to political association. “Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy; they are fundamental rights,” he said. “Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society – the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.”
Atiku added that he holds no resentment towards those who have chosen to align with other parties. “As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment. Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.”
His remarks come amid growing debate over the state of governance and the future of Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
