Ask Atiku Abubakar — Official Citizen Engagement Platform

Why have you moved between political parties, and were those moves driven by principle rather than convenience?

Political parties, in practical terms, are a vehicle for contesting for political offices in a party-system democracy. That is the primary purpose of the political party. Unfortunately, our democracy in Nigeria has not matured to the point where whoever becomes president is subject to the supremacy of the party. Often, the president takes the reins in the ruling party and often constricts opposition from within, leaving no room for what we call internal democracy. In such situations, it becomes impractical for me to remain in the party knowing full well the party has become a one-man dictatorship. I don’t play the yes-man politics. I believe in competitive politics.

Where this comes from

Why have you moved between political parties several times, and why should Nigerians see those moves as a matter of principle rather than political convenience or personal ambition? Atiku Abubakar: Answers to questions from the public 2026-10-05 ›
Question: Why have you moved between political parties several times, and why should Nigerians see those moves as a matter of principle rather than political convenience or personal ambition? Answer: Political parties, in practical terms, are a vehicle for contesting for political offices in a party-system democracy. That is the primary purpose of the political party. Unfortunately, our democracy in Nigeria has not matured to the point where whoever becomes president is subject to the supremacy of the party. Often, the president takes the reins in the ruling party and often constricts opposition from within, leaving no room for what we call internal democracy. In such situations, it becomes impractical for me to remain in the party knowing full well the party has become a one-man dictatorship. I don’t play the yes-man politics. I believe in competitive politics.
Ask another question Talk to Atiku

← Ask your own question  ·  More answered questions