, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and calling for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.){kind=link}
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied speculations about his possible exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming his loyalty to the party and calling for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku described the reports of his defection as baseless and misleading.
“We have noticed that certain news platforms are circulating false claims that Atiku Abubakar is leaving the PDP,” the statement read.
It further clarified, “These claims have no truth to them. Atiku remains committed to building a formidable opposition to challenge the incompetent and distressing leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.”
“Atiku has consistently advocated for a broad alliance that includes all opposition parties, particularly the PDP, to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.”
The statement dismissed any notion that Atiku was planning to leave the PDP, emphasizing that such reports contradict his ongoing efforts to unite opposition forces against the APC.
His reaffirmation comes amid growing speculation about his political future, especially following reports of his increasing interactions with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Some sources suggested both politicians and their allies are exploring new political strategies due to challenges within their respective parties.
El-Rufai, who has had recent conflicts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has voiced frustration with the APC, hinting that he could leave if the party drifts too far from its founding principles. However, he has explicitly ruled out joining the PDP.
These developments have fueled rumors that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) could emerge as an alternative platform for Atiku and El-Rufai, especially as the PDP grapples with internal leadership struggles.