8th March , 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
Supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the North have abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), strengthening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election chances ahead of 2027.
The defectors, under the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups in the 19 Northern States, were formally received by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin at an event in Abuja. Representatives from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory pledged their loyalty to APC, citing Tinubu’s policies and improvements in governance.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Coordinator Hon. Abubakar Malami explained that their switch was driven by the need for better leadership.
“In 2023, we supported Atiku because we believed he would address insecurity and economic hardships in the North. But under President Tinubu, we have seen real progress—farmers are returning to their lands, and food prices are stabilizing. We can no longer remain in the PDP,” Malami said.
He praised the Tinubu administration for initiatives such as the North West and North Central Development Commissions, as well as the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution, which aims to create young farmer millionaires.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin described the mass defection as a significant victory for APC.
“This is a major boost for our party. It shows that Nigerians appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said, assuring the newcomers of equal opportunities in the party.
APC Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje hailed the move as evidence of PDP’s decline.
“We are welcoming you today, but after Ramadan, we will organize a grand event with President Tinubu, the Vice President, and other leaders to celebrate the final collapse of PDP in Nigeria,” Ganduje declared.
The defection marks a growing realignment in Northern politics, with APC consolidating support ahead of the 2027 general election.
