Former Delta State Governor and ex-vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa has sparked political speculation after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting questions about the future of key PDP figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Responding to the buzz surrounding his political future, Atiku emphasized that freedom of association is a core democratic right. “In a democracy, everyone has the right to choose their political path,” he stated, adding that political realignments are not unusual and should not be viewed with hostility.
Amid ongoing rumors, Atiku’s media team firmly dismissed claims suggesting he plans to leave the PDP. Instead, the former presidential candidate reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and stressed the importance of building a strong opposition coalition to challenge the APC in the 2027 general election.
PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, acknowledged the recent defections but remained hopeful, stating that the 2027 elections would focus on Nigerians’ needs and how the PDP can offer a credible alternative to the APC.
With rising political movements and alignments ahead of the next election cycle, the PDP is expected to undergo internal restructuring to remain competitive on the national stage
