The Digest:
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has long been known for his political flexibility. His recent departure from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) marks the latest in a series of high-profile party defections throughout his career.
Key Points:
- 1999-2006: Atiku served as Vice President under PDP alongside President Obasanjo, before a fallout with Obasanjo over succession led to his first defection.
- 2006-2009: He joined the Action Congress (AC) after leaving PDP, contesting the 2007 presidential election but losing to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
- 2009: Atiku returned to PDP after a clash with AC’s leader, Bola Tinubu, seeking the PDP presidential ticket in 2011 but losing to President Jonathan.
- 2014: He defected to the APC, citing PDP's internal issues, contested the 2015 APC presidential primary, and lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
- 2017: Atiku returned to PDP, criticizing the APC’s performance but lost the 2019 election to Buhari.
- 2025: Amid PDP's internal issues, Atiku leaves the party, joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition to challenge President Tinubu’s leadership in 2027.
Atiku's journey reflects shifting political alliances driven by internal conflicts, party dissatisfaction, and ambition to lead the country. Atiku's political journey illustrates the constant flux within Nigerian political landscapes and his ongoing struggle to find a platform that aligns with his ideals.
Sources: Punch, Premium Times
