Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the reported defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the growing wave of defections as politically motivated by personal survival.

In a statement issued on Friday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Abubakar said while every politician has the constitutional right to freely associate with any political party of their choice, the recent defections should not be mistaken for genuine popularity of the ruling party.

Abubakar, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the 2027 general elections would serve as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led administration.

He noted that political realignments are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic process, adding that even members of his family are free to make independent political decisions.

However, the former vice-president argued that the movement of opposition governors into the APC reflects pressure and intimidation rather than strength.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is allegedly weaponising state institutions to intimidate political opponents in what he described as a desperate attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party state.

“This government fears accountability. It fears credible elections. It fears the people,” the statement read.

“Governors may defect for personal survival. Nigerians are defecting in their millions because they want survival.”

He further questioned what the APC would present as its campaign achievements in 2027, referencing issues such as hunger, economic hardship, and hopelessness.

Abubakar cautioned Nigerians against equating political cross-carpeting with public support, urging citizens not to trade their votes in the next election cycle.

“Do not trade your future. Do not mortgage your children’s tomorrow. In 2027, the people will have their say — and their will shall prevail,” he stated.

Abubakar, a founding member of both the APC and the PDP at different times, defected to the ADC in November 2025.