The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as an “80-year-old political tourist” following his decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman for the state arm of the party, said Atiku’s latest political move reflects desperation and what he called an “incurable addiction to party-hopping.” In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oladejo questioned what Atiku could still be seeking at his age.
“Atiku’s decision to pick up an ADC membership card at 80 is the perfect climax to a political career defined by ceaseless desperation, chronic restlessness, and an incurable addiction to party-hopping,” Oladejo said.
He went on to note that Nigerians are “laughing – and rightly so,” pointing out the obvious question: what exactly is Atiku still looking for at 80? Oladejo speculated whether it was power, relevance, closure, or merely another platform to create political turbulence.
“This is a man who has worn more political jerseys than a veteran footballer on a farewell tour; contested presidential elections like a man chasing a debt, not a mandate; abandoned allies, parties, and principles at the slightest inconvenience; and spent decades auditioning for a job Nigerians have repeatedly told him he cannot have,” Oladejo stated.
He argued that Atiku’s jump to the ADC is not a matter of strategy, reinvention, or courage, but rather a survival tactic, describing it as “expiration disguised as relevance” and “panic” rather than calculated political manoeuvring.
Oladejo further questioned how Atiku, who he said could not stabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could hope to govern Nigeria. “A man who split the PDP into pieces, fought governors, disrespected party elders, weaponised internal chaos, and plunged the party into the worst existential crisis of its life – only to now run away like a burglar leaving a ransacked house,” he said.
He concluded by doubting the purpose of Atiku’s latest political move, asking, “Start what, exactly? Another round of confusion? Another failed presidential bid? Another national distraction?”
