Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed growing speculation that he is planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The denial came amid reports suggesting that key opposition figures, including Atiku, were plotting to adopt a new political platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the next polls.
The speculation triggered widespread discussions about Atiku’s possible departure from the PDP and joining a proposed mega coalition.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, clarified the matter during his recent interview, according to a report by The Punch. He stated firmly that the former Vice President remains committed to the PDP.
“My principal has said that he wasn’t leaving the PDP, and you have to respect what he has said. I don’t need to come here to speak about it. It is an issue he has spoken of,” Ibe said, reaffirming Atiku’s loyalty to the party.
The statement follows ongoing conversations between many opposition leaders. Atiku, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party Peter Obi are championing the discussion.
According to Ibe, these discussions are focused on building a united opposition front that aligns with the “yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”
He confirmed that “there is an ongoing discussion between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai.
“Yes, it’s out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing. At the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and a direction that we will follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”
Pressed whether Obi and Atiku were actively involved, Ibe said yes, both politicians are involved.
His words, “To also answer your question, yes, Peter Obi and Atiku are involved. And they are also talking.”
The former Vice President’s rebuttal was issued shortly after reports emerged alleging that the opposition coalition had selected the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its preferred platform for the 2027 elections.
This report sparked immediate reactions and was later refuted by leaders within the coalition.
Mallam Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC, debunked the news. Now a stakeholder in the opposition alliance, Lukman described the reports as “false and misleading.”
In a short statement released in Abuja on Thursday, May 22, Lukman stated that the coalition had not yet settled on a political platform and any such claims were premature.
He emphasized that coalition members were still in the consultation phase, and no final decision had been reached.
“The coalition remains focused on strengthening democratic values. Any announcement about a platform will be made jointly. This assures the public of transparency in the process.”
As speculation over Atiku to leave PDP continues, his latest declaration may quell concerns within the party ranks. His engagement with opposition leaders is ongoing, but his allegiance to the PDP appears unchanged for now.
