Senator Adams Oshiomhole has asserted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lacks the moral authority to criticize former Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for their recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at the 28th Founders’ Day Lecture of Independent Television and Radio, themed “Nigeria, Where Are We Going?”, Oshiomhole emphasized that Atiku’s repeated party changes disqualify him from rebuking others for similar actions.

He pointed out that Atiku remains silent when circumstances favor him but raises concerns when they do not. “I was listening to discussions regarding the significance of the reunion of Edo and Delta with Dr. Okowa and Governor Oborevwori joining the APC. Those speaking, including Atiku, have demonstrated through their actions that a sitting vice president can defect to the opposition and still maintain their position, as supported by a Supreme Court ruling,” Oshiomhole stated.

He recalled his time as the unofficial opposition leader while serving as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Atiku, he noted, defected to the Action Congress in Lagos, ran for president, and lost. Oshiomhole highlighted that this same individual, who is now vocally criticizing Okowa, has switched parties multiple times—returning to the PDP, contesting against former President Muhammadu Buhari, and facing further defeats against President Bola Tinubu.

Oshiomhole expressed disbelief that Atiku would criticize someone who has only changed parties once.

Furthermore, he refuted claims that he stated all sins are forgiven upon joining the APC, accusing the media of misrepresenting his comments. “I have issued statements clarifying this issue. The media lacks evidence to support their claims, and I have requested they provide video evidence of my alleged comments,” he stated.

He explained that when Patrick Iluobe defected from the PDP to the APC, he remarked that in their dialect, Iluobe means “I have stopped doing bad,” suggesting that leaving the deceptive PDP would lead to positive change. Oshiomhole contended that the media, aligned with the PDP, distorted his words to imply he claimed all sins are forgiven upon joining the APC.

In a bold declaration, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly stated that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is more than capable of clinching the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections without relying on coalitions with established parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or endorsements from prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai.

During an exclusive interview, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized Obi’s strength as a candidate, asserting that he has a solid base of support that transcends party lines. Ndubuaku confidently noted that Obi had already demonstrated his appeal by securing victories in key regions, including Tinubu’s stronghold in Lagos, before facing electoral disruptions in 2023.

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election,” Ndubuaku stated. “He is a sellable candidate. The desire for his leadership resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, and if we ensure a free and fair election, victory is within reach.”

His remarks come in the wake of renewed backing from the Obidients Movement, which has pledged unwavering support for Obi, emphasizing his role as the country’s potential savior amid economic turmoil.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria to undergo transformation, positioning Obi as the sole candidate capable of guiding the nation towards recovery.

Ndubuaku further reinforced the notion that the PDP is no longer a viable option for serious contenders, labeling it as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.” He highlighted the contrast between the Labour Party’s resolved issues and the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, arguing that switching parties would be detrimental.

“The Labour Party has addressed its challenges, while the PDP continues to grapple with significant internal conflicts. Transitioning from LP to PDP would be akin to jumping from frying pan to fire,” he remarked.

Additionally, he dismissed concerns surrounding zoning and power rotation, asserting that Obi’s governance would be focused on revitalizing the nation rather than clinging to power. “Obi’s reputation for performance speaks for itself. The fears regarding zoning are misplaced; he has no intention of holding onto power beyond what is necessary to effect change,” Ndubuaku concluded.

As the political landscape evolves, Obi’s unwavering support and potential candidacy continue to stir discussions about the future of Nigeria’s governance and the viability of its political parties.

….Says Atiku on his way out of PDP
…It was against my people’s will

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Recall that, Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, with Okowa as his running mate.

On March 20, 2023, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and others jointly announced the creation of a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The move has sparked ongoing discussions about the potential for a united opposition, with political leaders expressing varied opinions.

Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa—who officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Monday—expressed regret for not aligning with his people in supporting a southern candidate in 2023 instead of accepting the role as Atiku’s running mate. He said, “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.

“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”

He added that the election of the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, proves that the people still have confidence in their leadership.

Okowa added, “That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did.”

When asked about his communication with Atiku before leaving the PDP, Okowa responded, “I actually did communicate with him that we were going to have stakeholders meetings this week (in the last week) and that it was going to be a leadership meeting and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path because we were no longer comfortable with the PDP.

“And I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me, and that Nigerians know already.”