Adamawa PDP: Defectors Like Atiku Are Driven by Private Ambition, Not Party Failure

The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly stated that the recent stream of defections, including that of its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and former Deputy Governor, Chief Crowther Seth, is a clear case of politicians prioritising personal interests over party loyalty.

Dependable NG reports that Dogo Victor, the State Publicity Secretary for the PDP, made the assertion in an interview with journalists in Yola, dismissing any suggestions that the defections point to a fundamental crisis or serious flaw within the party’s structure.

“There is nothing about the PDP that could be considered serious enough to cause defection,” Dogo told members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He emphasised that those leaving are doing so for purely private and political objectives. To support his claim, Dogo cited a key example: while Atiku Abubakar has defected, his son, Adamu Atiku, remains a highly visible and “prominent member of the government as Commissioner of Works,” suggesting a lack of cohesive principle in the former Vice President’s decision.

Addressing minor unrest following the recent state congress, Dogo Victor acknowledged that some individuals are naturally disappointed when a process does not favour them. However, he stressed that the party views these disagreements as routine and has already formed a reconciliation committee to resolve all internal differences. The party is moving forward, confident in its stability despite the high-profile exits.