Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday said millions of Nigerians are switching political allegiance out of necessity, arguing that their primary concern is survival rather than partisan loyalty.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement issued by his media office in reaction to the reported defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He criticised what he described as a growing trend of opposition governors joining the ruling party, claiming the wave of defections reflects mounting pressure and political intimidation rather than genuine support.
Atiku alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is deploying state institutions to harass political rivals in a bid to edge the country toward a one-party system.
He argued that such tactics cannot distract from what he called the severe economic realities facing Nigerians, including rising food prices, worsening poverty, deteriorating security and widespread unemployment, which he blamed on ineffective economic management.
“While some governors may switch parties to protect their own interests, ordinary Nigerians are changing political camps because they are fighting to stay afloat,” Atiku said.
“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival,” he added.
He urged citizens not to equate political cross-carpeting with popularity and questioned what the APC would campaign on ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“What will the APC campaign on in 2027 — hunger? hardship? hopelessness?” he asked.
