Atiku: Only Those Working for APC Are Against Coalition

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar asserts that any PDP politician opposing a coalition is aiding the ruling APC
• Atiku emphasizes that a merger or coalition is crucial to liberating Nigeria from the grip of the ruling APC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asserted that any politician, particularly within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), opposing the idea of a coalition is aiding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its quest to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.

Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, reiterated that the key to liberating the country from the grip of the ruling APC in the next election lies in a merger or coalition of political parties.

Following its 587th meeting, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) stated that the party “is not involved in any talks regarding merger, fusion, or amalgamation with any other political party or interest.”

The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, informed newsmen after the NWC meeting that the party is confident in its ability to win elections independently.

The PDP urged everyone to “disregard any reports suggesting any form of merger between the PDP and any other political party as such is not being considered by our great party.”

The party’s statement came after Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, met with Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, all prominent figures within the PDP. This sparked speculation about a potential coalition or merger.

Addressing the National Coalition for PDP Support Group during their solidarity visit in Abuja, Atiku emphasized, “Anyone in the PDP opposing the merger with other political groups is a fifth columnist working for the APC to transform the country into a one-party state.”

The group’s chairman, Engr Anucha Katchy, expressed confidence in Atiku due to his strong sense of patriotism and past performance in office. However, he cautioned the former VP to be wary of sycophants within the party’s youth and women groups, who constitute a significant portion of eligible voters.