Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of pure mischief over a media report that he plans to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a yet-to-formed mega party.
The presidential candidate of the main opposition party in the 2023 election took to his verified X handle, @atiku, on Tuesday, lambasting the president for his alleged relentless pursuit of personal agendas at the expense of national governance.
Atiku reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the PDP but asserted his advocacy for a swift merger of the opposition.
He posted: “I have been inundated with calls from our party members, supporters, and concerned Nigerians regarding the fabricated story in The Nation, Tinubu’s ragtag, alleging my departure from the @OfficialPDPNig.
“Let me be unequivocal: this is pure mischief, devoid of truth. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty to the PDP while advocating the swift merger of opposition parties. The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.
“Tinubu’s relentless pursuit of personal agendas at the expense of national governance is glaring. His myopic focus on 2027 betrays a disregard for the pressing needs of the populace. It’s high time he ceased his bumbling escapades and prioritised the welfare of the people.
“My media team is vigorously countering his baseless claims. Let this be a wake-up call to all: the pursuit of power must not overshadow the imperative of effective governance. Together, let us propel Nigeria forward, leaving behind the antics of political charlatans.”
Expatiating on the post, his media office, in a statement later, maintained that the claim that Atiku would abandon the PDP is a blatant display of political mischief by Tinubu and his lackeys.
It observed that rather than tackle insecurity, poverty, and failed policies, the president has engaged in cheap political theatrics.
The statement signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, read: “In a blatant display of political mischief, Bola Tinubu and his lackeys have shamelessly peddled false reports suggesting Atiku Abubakar’s imminent departure from the PDP. This malicious attempt to sow discord and confusion among the populace cannot go unchallenged.
“Let it be known to all, especially the esteemed supporters of Atiku Abubakar, that the so-called “report” in The Nation newspapers is nothing but a pitiful attempt to deflect attention from the pressing issues plaguing our nation.
“At a time when insecurity, poverty, and failed policies threaten the very fabric of our society, Tinubu and his cohorts would rather engage in cheap political theatrics than address the real challenges facing Nigerians.
“Despite their nefarious machinations, Atiku remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP and the vital process of opposition party merger.
“He unequivocally condemns Tinubu’s attempts to undermine democracy and calls for swift action to unite opposition forces against the tyrannical grip of the APC.
“Let there be no doubt: Atiku Abubakar is unwavering in his dedication to the PDP and the fight for a better Nigeria.
“As he urges the current administration to prioritize governance over petty politicking, let us stand united against the forces of corruption and oppression. The time for action is now, and Atiku will not rest until justice prevails and the voice of the people is heard.”