Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has firmly dismissed rumours that he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Instead, he revealed ongoing efforts to form a broad-based political coalition to unseat the APC-led federal government in the 2027 general elections.
PDP Women BoT Visit Atiku Amid Party Crisis
Atiku made these remarks during a strategic meeting with female members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), who visited him in Abuja as part of efforts to salvage the party from its current crisis and prevent a total collapse.
The delegation was led by Hajia Inna Ciroma, a former Minister of Women Affairs and one-time PDP National Women Leader. The women expressed deep concern over the PDP’s leadership vacuum and rising internal strife.
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“We are disturbed that the party has no leadership. Any organisation without direction cannot stand,” Ciroma said during the meeting.
Coalition Not Defection – Atiku Clarifies Position
Atiku emphasized that while he remains a loyal member of the PDP, a coalition with other political forces is essential to restore Nigeria’s democracy and tackle the challenges facing the nation.
“I’m not leaving the PDP. But there is a need for a coalition—not just as a political strategy, but as a national imperative,” he said.
Drawing from history, Atiku cited the NPN-NPP Accord of the Second Republic as a successful example of political alliances that strengthened governance and unity.
He assured the BoT women that such a coalition would not erase the identity of the PDP, but instead reposition it at the heart of a new national movement.
Pan-Nigerian Coalition Already Taking Shape
Atiku reportedly informed the delegation that discussions are underway with key stakeholders across political divides and regions. The aim is to build a pan-Nigerian coalition, driven by citizens who want to reclaim and rebuild the country.
The movement, he said, is inclusive and aims to address the widespread disillusionment with governance, particularly under the APC-led administration.
BoT Women Begin Rescue Mission Amid Party Defections
The meeting with Atiku is part of a wider intervention by the PDP BoT women, who have launched a rescue mission to save the opposition party from further decline.
Last week, the women held a marathon meeting with the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The session, which lasted over 90 minutes, was the first step in a multi-phase strategy to restore internal unity and prevent further defections.
“We can’t fold our arms and watch the party collapse. We’re engaging with stakeholders to find a sustainable path forward,” Ciroma explained.
Concerns Over Leadership and Party Funding
During their interaction with Atiku, the women raised concerns over the lack of leadership, direction, and sustainable funding within the party. They warned that a few individuals must not be allowed to control the party’s destiny.
“A party must belong to its members. Everyone must contribute to its funding and growth,” Ciroma said.
Persistent Crisis and Waves of Defections
The PDP has been rocked by persistent internal conflicts and defections, especially following its defeat in the 2023 general elections. The party’s national cohesion has weakened, with governors and lawmakers switching allegiance or distancing themselves from party activities.
In response, the BoT women have constituted a reconciliation team that will interface with PDP governors, state chairmen, and key stakeholders to address the root causes of the crisis and promote unity.
Conclusion: PDP Faces Crucial Turning Point Ahead of 2027
With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections on the horizon, the PDP is at a critical crossroads. Atiku’s commitment to coalition-building signals a renewed push to revive the opposition and mount a credible challenge to the APC.
The BoT women’s proactive steps suggest that internal reforms and strategic alliances may be the only viable path forward for a party struggling to stay relevant in Nigeria’s rapidly shifting political landscape.
