As the 2027 general elections approach, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has experienced a significant loss of support from his northern base, with many defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At an event in Abuja on Friday, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau welcomed the defectors from the 19 northern states.
The members, who had been part of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups from the 2023 elections, officially announced their switch from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Representatives from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory attended, expressing their commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
They cited discussions with Deputy Senate President Barau as a major influence on their decision.
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Abubakar Malami, the coordinator of the coalition, explained, “Our groups represent various segments of society—women, youth, students, traders, academics, and farmers—from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
During the 2023 election campaign, we mobilized members across the northern states to support Atiku. Our efforts were acknowledged, and we played a significant role in his vote tally.”
He continued, “We supported Atiku in our shared goal to address the challenges facing our region, especially terrorism and banditry, which severely impacted our economy. Farming became impossible as kidnappers overtook farmlands.”
Malami went on to praise President Tinubu’s leadership, noting, “22 months into President Tinubu’s term, there is a new sense of peace and hope in the northern states. The declining prices of food reflect the peace our region is enjoying.”
He also commended Tinubu for establishing the North West Development Commission, a move that he said would be transformative.
In 2027, Malami declared, the coalition would work to ensure the continuation of Tinubu’s administration. He thanked Deputy Senate President Barau, referring to him as “the Sardauna Arewa of our time,” for his efforts in addressing regional challenges.
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Barau, in his speech, called the defection a “big catch” for the APC, emphasizing that the president’s efforts to reposition Nigeria were being recognized.
He assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party and praised Tinubu’s leadership qualities, saying he was well-regarded across the country for his generosity and hospitality.
Ganduje also welcomed the defectors, praising their courage and declaring that their move marked the end of the PDP in Nigeria.
He claimed the party was crumbling, citing the Anambra governorship election as evidence of the PDP’s decline, where no candidates emerged despite an extended screening deadline.
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