Dankwambo: PDP or ADC, Atiku remains political leader of the North

Former Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains the political leader of Northern Nigeria,  whether he stays in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or defects to another party like the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Dankwambo made the statement during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Bauchi on Saturday, amid growing tension over Atiku’s political future and speculations about realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said Atiku’s influence across the North cannot be erased, no matter the political banner he chooses to fly.

“Whether it’s PDP or ADC, Atiku is still our political leader in the North. Nobody can change that,” Dankwambo said.

The former governor also cautioned against internal divisions in the PDP, stressing that only unity can help the party reclaim power in 2027.

His remarks come days after former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, urged his supporters to join the ADC in Osun State to prepare for what he called a political takeover from the PDP.

Dankwambo’s comments are seen by some analysts as a subtle reminder to the ruling APC that Atiku still commands massive followership in the North, and any coalition he leads, PDP or not could shape the 2027 presidential race.