“I’m Not Leaving PDP” — Atiku Rallies Support for Coalition to Unseat APC in 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that he’s planning to ditch the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his commitment to building a united front to challenge the APC in the next general election.

During a visit from female members of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by former Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Inna Ciroma, Atiku reassured party loyalists that he remains fully committed to the PDP. He emphasized the urgent need for a broad political coalition to rescue Nigeria from what he described as APC’s misrule.

“This is not just politics. It’s a necessity,” Atiku reportedly told the women. “We must join hands across party lines to rebuild this country.”

He drew a parallel with Nigeria’s Second Republic, citing the NPN-NPP alliance that once brought political stability, and assured the women that any coalition effort wouldn’t erase the identity of the PDP.

The visit was part of a larger effort by concerned PDP BoT women to salvage the crisis-ridden party from further disintegration. Speaking to Vanguard after the meeting, Ciroma said they were compelled to act as “mothers of the party” to address the leadership vacuum and rising defections threatening the PDP’s existence.

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“We’re deeply concerned. The party is in disarray, and no organisation can function without clear leadership,” Ciroma said. “We went to see Atiku to express our worries and explore solutions. He assured us he’s staying and is committed to the coalition project.”

The meeting also touched on the sensitive issue of party financing. Atiku and the women agreed that political parties must be funded by the people to avoid control by a few wealthy individuals.

Last week, as part of their rescue mission, the BoT women also met with Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, in a closed-door session lasting over 90 minutes at the PDP Secretariat in Abuja.

Determined to revive the party’s fortunes, the women have now formed a reconciliation team to engage with PDP governors, leaders, and key stakeholders nationwide. Their goal: to tackle the internal crisis head-on, stop the exodus of members, and chart a clear path forward for the opposition ahead of 2027.