“I Bear No Grudge Over Okowa’s Defection” – Atiku Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he harbours no ill feelings over the defection of his former running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Monday, Atiku emphasized that as a true democrat, he respects the right of individuals to freely associate with any political party of their choice.

“Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it,” Ibe stated. “As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association, which is one of the pillars of democracy, without which democracy would be meaningless.”

Ibe also dismissed speculations that Atiku might be planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reaffirming the former vice-president’s commitment to the party. He noted that discussions about political coalitions had already been addressed and that Atiku had made it clear he was staying with the PDP. “As for those talking about him leaving the PDP, we don’t know where they are getting that from,” he added.

Okowa, who served as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, announced his move to the APC on Monday and expressed regret over accepting to run with Atiku. He claimed the decision went against the preferences of his constituents. “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power,” he said.

The former Delta State governor also voiced support for President Bola Tinubu to complete an eight-year tenure for the sake of national stability, suggesting that power could then return to the north.