Amid circulating rumours about a possible departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, unlike some other politicians who have defected from one party to another, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, describing the reports as baseless and politically motivated.
This clarification was made in an official statement released on Friday by Paul Ibe, media adviser to the 2023 PDP presidential flag bearer. Ibe described the claims as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and stir confusion within the party’s support base.
The reports, largely promoted by little-known online sources, alleged that Atiku had defected to another political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, no credible mainstream news organization has corroborated the story.
Addressing the claims directly, Ibe emphasized that Atiku remains a dedicated member of the PDP, reiterating his commitment to the party’s values and the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
“We ordinarily would not dignify baseless reports from obscure platforms like the so-called Adamawa Happenings, but due to increasing inquiries from the public and respected media professionals, we must set the record straight,” the statement read. “Atiku Abubakar has not resigned from the PDP. He continues to be a loyal and committed member.”
Ibe further noted that the rumour appears to have originated from politically motivated individuals seeking to undermine Atiku’s credibility and mislead his supporters. He described the act as a coordinated misinformation campaign driven by “desperate political operatives.”
Urging calm among party supporters, Ibe dismissed the defection narrative as a fabrication unworthy of public concern, calling it “a vile and contemptible tactic” intended to destabilize the PDP.
He concluded by reiterating Atiku’s unwavering allegiance to the PDP and his dedication to Nigeria’s democratic development, asserting, “Atiku Abubakar remains firmly aligned with the ideals of the Peoples Democratic Party and fully committed to championing the democratic hopes of the Nigerian people.