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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he bears no grudge over the defection of his former running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and remains firmly committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, Atiku emphasized that political affiliation is a matter of personal choice and democratic freedom, adding that he has no intention of leaving the PDP. “Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges.
As a democrat, he subscribes to the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association, which is fundamental to any democratic system,” Ibe said. Dismissing rumours that Atiku may be planning to exit the PDP, Ibe said the former vice president has already addressed the issue and made his stance clear. “We don’t know where those speculations are coming from.
Atiku is not leaving the PDP,” he added. Okowa, who served as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, recently announced his defection to the APC. He expressed regret over accepting the VP slot, citing resistance from his political base to another northern presidency.
“Even during the campaign, I realized our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power,” Okowa said. He also endorsed President Bola Tinubu to complete a full eight-year tenure for the sake of national stability. “For the stability of this nation, it is best for us to have him complete his tenure before power returns to the North,” he stated.
Okowa’s defection has stirred reactions within the PDP, but Atiku’s camp insists it remains focused on party unity and future strategy..
