Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected recent endorsements of President Bola Tinubu by APC governors and stakeholders.
It was said that they were interpreted as symptoms of panic and desperation ahead of the 2027 elections. The opposition leaders are optimistic that their coalition will defeat the ruling party.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s Media Adviser, voiced confidence in the coalition’s potential to compete and win the 2027 general elections, regardless of Tinubu’s support.
According to Vanguard, Ibe compared the coalition’s stance to that of a meticulously prepared student for an exam, claiming that the alliance is unaffected by political maneuverings.
“When you’ve diligently prepared for an exam, you may sleep comfortably the night before and wake up confident of your accomplishment. “That is the position of our coalition,” Ibe stated.
He went on to say that the ultimate judges of the 2027 election will be Nigerians themselves, not the ruling party’s political games.
Ibe went on to say, “The latest endorsements indicate the frightened situation of this administration. Insurgents are recovering territories in Borno State and other locations, creating unprecedented levels of insecurity. The expense of life is exorbitant, and families are struggling to satisfy their basic requirements. However, the government has done nothing to address these vital challenges, instead focusing on political games.
He also accused Tinubu’s administration of using anti-corruption agencies to push opposition politicians into joining the APC, stating that many of these defections were not ideological but rather the consequence of political pressure.
Ibe claimed, “These defections are not motivated by ideology or a preference for the APC.” Politicians are being kept captive and forced to join the ruling party. Former governors and the current administration have targeted several for corruption, forcing them to pay a ransom in the form of defections.
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“This is happening in Delta State and elsewhere, with the so-called ‘quiet bomb’ being used as leverage to pressure defectors.”
PDP Denies Crisis and Criticizes Endorsements
Umar Bature, the PDP’s National Organizing Secretary, also weighed in, saying that endorsements do not ensure election success.
He remembered that in 2014, despite having 21 governors’ support, former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the election.
Bature stated, “Tinubu has 22 endorsements. There is nothing to worry about. It’s only a question of time. The question is not endorsement; it is if you have done the right thing for your country. Endorsements are purely superficial. People use them when they realize they are not serving the interests of those they are supposed to represent. There is no crisis. Members are only expressing their viewpoints. If they say they wish to leave the party, time will tell. “These issues will resolve themselves.”
