Atiku Speaks Out on Defection: No Ill Feelings Towards Okowa; Clarifies Allegations of Leaving PDP
Title: Atiku Abites the Snake: Unfazed as His 2023 Running Mate, Okowa, Jumps Ship to APC
In a surprisingly casual move, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has shown no signs of being ruffled feathers by the sudden defection of his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Spilling the beans to The Nation, Atiku's media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed that the political heavyweight is neither troubled nor upset by Okowa's decision to take the plunge. Ibe added that there's no reason for sour grapes over anyone exercising their democratic rights.
He further emphasized Atiku's unwavering loyalty and commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), squashing rumors of potential switches. In his words, "Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges, he has said that, and he means it."
He continued, "As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association, a fundamental pillar of democracy without which democracy is hollow."
Touching on the coalition buzz, Ibe reiterated the PDP's stance, stating that Atiku isn't leaving the PDP, putting an end to the speculation once and for all. He insisted, "As for those talking about him leaving the PDP, we don't know where they are getting that from."
Interesting Insights
Atiku's former running mate, Okowa, revealed he informed Atiku about his decision prior to defecting. The senator cited dissatisfaction with PDP’s management and uncertainty about its readiness for the 2027 elections. Okowa also hinted at private discussions between Atiku and others about coalition-building efforts against the APC.
The Presidency, however, has been less than sympathetic, with Tinubu’s aide Bayo Onanuga taking to social media to taunt Atiku over the defections. The PDP, on the other hand, has responded by filing lawsuits challenging the defections while trying to downplay their impact, asserting the APC will "soon implode."
The defections mark a significant shift in Delta State, ending the PDP’s 26-year dominance. With Okowa citing PDP's internal leadership crises and weakened electoral prospects, speculation points towards broader realignments ahead of 2027. Atiku’s coalition plans with figures like Peter Obi remain under scrutiny, with Okowa questioning their viability.
- Despite the sudden defection of his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar remains untroubled and unperturbed.
- In the wake of Okowa's decision, Atiku's media aide, Paul Ibe, affirmed that the former vice president subscribes to the democratic rights of individuals and holds no resentment.
- Atiku Abubakar remains steadfast in his loyalty and commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing rumors of potential switches.
- Okowa's revelation that he informed Atiku about his decision prior to defecting has sparked speculations about coalition-building efforts against the APC.
- The Presidency, led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has been less sympathetic, with Tinubu’s aide Bayo Onanuga taunting Atiku over the defections.
- The PDP, in response, has filed lawsuits challenging the defections, while downplaying their impact, asserting that the APC will "soon implode."
- The defections by key figures like Okowa have marked a significant shift in Delta State, ending the PDP’s 26-year dominance, raising questions about broader realignments ahead of 2027.
- The viability of Atiku’s coalition plans with figures like Peter Obi remains under scrutiny, with Okowa expressing doubts about their effectiveness in the face of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, general-news, and migration that could influence election outcomes.
![Atiku Abubakar, ex-Vice President, remains unfazed by the departure of his 2023 presidential election vice-presidential candidate, Senator [Name]](https://asb-media.info/en/img/2025/04/30/1252185/jpeg/4-3/1200/75/image-description.webp)
