Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said on Friday that millions of Nigerians are changing political allegiance out of necessity, stressing that their foremost concern is survival.
Atiku made the statement through his media office while reacting to the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He faulted the increasing wave of opposition governors defecting to the ruling party, insisting that the trend signals coercion rather than genuine political support.
Atiku alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is using state institutions to intimidate opponents in a bid to steer the country toward a one-party state.
According to him, such pressure tactics cannot overshadow the harsh economic conditions facing citizens, including soaring food costs, worsening poverty, declining security, and widespread unemployment, which he attributed to poor economic policies.
“While some governors may switch parties to protect their own interests, ordinary Nigerians are changing political camps because they are fighting to stay afloat.
“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival,” Atiku said.
He also cautioned Nigerians against interpreting defections as a sign of popularity, while questioning what the ruling party would present to voters in the next general election.
“What will the APC campaign on in 2027 — hunger? hardship? hopelessness?” He asked.