Atiku further noted that when leaders choose principle over political pressure, the country ultimately benefits.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has praised the nine senators who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying their decision is “a powerful statement of courage, conviction and commitment” aimed at preserving Nigeria’s democracy.
He hailed their move on Friday in a now-trending post shared on his official Facebook page.
Atiku was reacting to the decision of nine senators from the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who defected to the ADC.
Those involved include the lawmaker representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal; his Abia South counterpart, Enyinnaya Abaribe; Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory); Victor Umeh (Anambra Central); and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North).
Others are Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), and Austin Akobundu (Abia Central).
Reacting to the development, the former Vice President commended the nine lawmakers for what he described as prioritising national interest over political pressure.
“I commend Senator Binos Yaroe and the eight distinguished senators who boldly aligned with the ADC yesterday, not for personal gain, but in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku wrote.
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He noted that their decision to stand with the opposition at a time when, according to him, many politicians are being pressured to join the ruling party demonstrates courage and conviction.
“At a time when many are being coerced into the ruling party, their decision to stand with the opposition is a powerful statement of courage, conviction, and commitment to national interest,” he added.
He further stressed that a functional democracy depends on the presence of a credible opposition capable of holding those in power accountable.
“Democracy without credible opposition is democracy in name only,” Atiku said.
According to him, “their presence strengthens our collective voice for accountability, good governance, and the future Nigerians deserve.”
He also noted that when leaders choose principle over political pressure, the country ultimately benefits.
