Atiku Says Nigerians Switching Allegiance Out of Sheer Necessity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that millions of Nigerians are changing political allegiance out of necessity, stressing that their primary concern is survival.

Atiku made the remark in a statement issued on Friday by his media office while reacting to the defection of Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former presidential candidate criticised the growing trend of opposition governors joining the ruling party, describing it as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the wave of defections reflects mounting political pressure and intimidation rather than genuine popularity. He alleged that the administration of Bola Tinubu is deploying state institutions to harass political opponents in a bid to steer the country towards a one-party system.

Atiku, however, maintained that such tactics would not distract Nigerians from what he described as harsh economic realities, including rising food prices, deepening poverty, worsening insecurity and widespread unemployment, which he attributed to poor 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,” he said.

“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival.”

He urged citizens not to mistake political cross-carpeting for popularity, questioning what the APC would present as its campaign message in the 2027 general elections.

“What will the APC campaign on in 2027 — hunger? hardship? hopelessness?” he asked.