As Nigeria’s 2027 general election approaches, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has suffered a major political setback, losing a significant portion of his northern support base to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a high-profile event in Abuja on Friday, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau officially welcomed defectors from the 19 northern states into the party.
The group, previously operating as the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups during the 2023 elections, formally announced their departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and pledged allegiance to the APC.
Representatives from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attended the event, vowing to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Explaining their decision, the coalition’s coordinator, Abubakar Malami, revealed that extensive discussions with Deputy Senate President Barau played a pivotal role in their defection. “Our members represent a broad spectrum of society women, youths, students, traders, academics, and farmers spanning diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds,” Malami said.
He emphasized that their initial support for Atiku stemmed from a desire to address insecurity and economic decline in the North. “In 2023, we mobilized our people across the 19 northern states and the FCT to campaign for Atiku Abubakar.
We did so with the hope of tackling issues like terrorism and banditry, which crippled farming and economic activities. Our efforts were recognized by Atiku’s camp, and we played a significant role in the votes he secured.”
However, Malami noted a shift in the region’s fortunes under President Tinubu’s leadership. “Nearly two years into Tinubu’s administration, there is a renewed sense of peace and optimism. The decline in food prices is directly linked to the improved security situation in the North,” he stated.
He also praised Tinubu for establishing the North West Development Commission, calling it a “game changer” for the region.
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Deputy Senate President Barau described the defection as a “huge win” for the APC. “This is a major breakthrough for our party. President Tinubu is working tirelessly to reposition Nigeria for prosperity, and it’s gratifying that these former Atiku supporters now recognize and appreciate his efforts,” Barau said.
He assured the defectors that they would enjoy equal opportunities within the APC, emphasizing Tinubu’s inclusive leadership style.
APC Chairman Ganduje also lauded the defectors’ decision, describing it as a major blow to the PDP. “This is the beginning of the end for the PDP not just in the North, but across Nigeria,” Ganduje declared.
Referring to the PDP’s struggles, he claimed, “The party is in disarray. In Anambra, their governorship screening deadline had to be extended because no one showed up. Even after the extension, still no candidates. The PDP is collapsing at an incredible rate.”
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, this mass defection signals a potential shift in the political landscape, strengthening the APC’s hold in the North while further weakening the opposition.
