Atiku, El-Rufai face backlash over alliance plan

The South-South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Amalgamation, on Tuesday, condemned the reported political alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as a desperate attempt by “irresponsible political jobbers” to regain relevance.

He said the proposed alliance is a “last-ditch effort” by two political actors desperate to stay relevant in a changing political environment that is increasingly rejecting their brand of politics.

In a statement by the group’s convener, John Albert Clarkson, said the coalition between the two political heavyweights lacked credibility and integrity, accusing them of being inconsistent and self-serving throughout their careers.

He further criticized Atiku and El-Rufai for what he described as careers marked by broken promises and political contradictions.

Clarkson said: We wholeheartedly support the bold and principled stance taken by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who have rejected this ill-conceived coalition.

“Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai have long been figures in Nigerian politics who have made promises and declarations that often fail to materialize. Their political journeys are marked by a series of contradictions that have left many Nigerians disillusioned.

“Atiku, once a stalwart of the PDP, has oscillated between parties in pursuit of power, demonstrating a lack of commitment to the very ideals he professes to uphold.

“Similarly, El-Rufai, who has often positioned himself as a reformist, has been embroiled in controversies that undermine his credibility. Their recent coalition reeks of desperation, a last-ditch effort to regain relevance by political opportunists and job seekers in a political environment that is increasingly rejecting their brand of politics.

“The actions of the PDP Governors Forum serve as a beacon of hope in these turbulent times. By rejecting the coalition, the Forum has sent a strong message that the PDP remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

“Under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, the Governors Forum has demonstrated that it prioritizes the needs of the people over personal ambitions. This is a refreshing departure from the self-serving politics that have plagued our nation for far too long.

“The current political climate in Nigeria demands a credible and dependable platform that can navigate the complexities of governance and deliver tangible results. The PDP, under the stewardship of its dedicated leaders, has proven to be that platform.

“The rejection of the Atiku-El-Rufai desperation is not merely a political maneuver; it is a declaration of intent to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service to the Nigerian populace. We believe that the PDP is now positioned to lead Nigeria through its limitations, offering a path toward sustainable development and genuine progress.”

He called on Nigerians to rally behind the PDP as the only party capable of navigating the country through its challenges and delivering meaningful progress.

He added, “The time has come for us to rally around a party that demonstrates a genuine commitment to the people, a party that is willing to listen, to learn, and to lead with integrity. The South-South Youth Amalgamation stands firm in its condemnation of the desperate opportunism by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai.

“We commend the PDP Governors Forum for their courageous stance and reiterate our belief that the PDP is the only credible platform capable of steering Nigeria toward a brighter future. Together, let us unite under the banner of the PDP and work towards a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations and dreams of all its citizens.”