Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is unbothered by the defection of his 2023 running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming his continued commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized that it is undemocratic to fault anyone for deciding their political affiliation.
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Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it.
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 said.
He stated that the former Vice President remains dedicated to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no intention of defecting to any other political party.
We have addressed the issues about coalition, and remember that we had a statement to that effect; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not leaving the PDP, and he has said that clearly.
As for those talking about him leaving the PDP, we don’t know where they are getting that from, he added.
On Monday, Okowa expressed regret over his decision to run as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, stating that it conflicted with the sentiments of his constituents.
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Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power, Okowa had said.
The former governor of Delta State had previously stated that President Bola Tinubu should be given the opportunity to serve a full eight-year term in office.
For the stability of this nation, I also do believe that, yes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected president in 2023, and for the stability of Nigeria, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure, then the presidency can move back to the North, he said.
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