Atiku Fled PDP at First Sign of Trouble, Lacks Leadership Qualities — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of abandoning the party at the first sign of trouble.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.

The President questioned Atiku’s leadership qualities, arguing that his departure from the PDP reflected an unwillingness to resolve internal disagreements within a political organisation.

Tinubu also took a swipe at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, criticising his record on erosion control and questioning his leadership credentials.

The President urged Nigerians to examine the political records and decisions of opposition figures before deciding who should lead the country in 2027.

Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the PDP platform, left the party amid internal disagreements and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is seeking to contest the next presidential election.

The ADC has since faced a leadership crisis following a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led interim leadership structure. The party has appealed the judgment and asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to suspend further action pending the outcome of its legal challenge.

Tinubu’s comments come amid growing political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.

Atiku has yet to respond publicly to the President’s latest criticism.