2027: Atiku’s Supporters Dump PDP For APC (See Names)

As the 2027 general election draws closer, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lost a significant portion of his northern support base to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At an event in Abuja on Friday, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau formally received the defectors from the 19 northern states.

These individuals, who were previously part of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups during the 2023 election, announced their departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.

Representatives from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on the defection, coalition coordinator Abubakar Malami explained that their decision followed discussions with Deputy Senate President Barau.

Malami stated, “Our members span various sectors, including women, youths, students, traders, academics, and farmers, cutting across different religious and ethnic backgrounds.”

He recalled that during the 2023 elections, the group mobilised support for Atiku Abubakar to address the pressing challenges in the North, especially terrorism and banditry, which had crippled economic activities and made farming unsafe.

Malami acknowledged that, under Tinubu’s administration, the North had experienced improved security and economic stability, citing the decline in food prices as evidence.

He also praised the establishment of the North West Development Commission, facilitated by a bill sponsored by Barau, calling it a “game changer.”

He assured, “In 2027, we will work for the continuation of President Tinubu’s administration. Our sincere appreciation goes to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin for his efforts in addressing our region’s challenges. He is the Sardauna Arewa of our time.”

Reacting to the defection, Barau described it as a “big catch” for the APC, commending the defectors for recognising Tinubu’s leadership.

He assured them of equal opportunities within the party.

APC Chairman Ganduje welcomed the new members, stating, “This marks the collapse of the PDP in Nigeria, not just in the North.”

He further claimed that the PDP was struggling, citing the extension of its screening deadline for the Anambra governorship election due to a lack of candidates.

He concluded by announcing that, after Ramadan, the new defectors would be officially received in Abuja by President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, Senate President Akpabio, and Speaker Abbas.