Atiku Remains Northern Leader, Whether in PDP or ADC — PDP’s Governor Dankwambo Declares

Atiku Remains Northern Leader, Whether in PDP or ADC — PDP’s Governor Dankwambo Declares

 

 

Former Gombe State Governor and serving senator representing Gombe North, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a towering political figure in northern Nigeria, regardless of his current political party affiliation.

 

Speaking during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe on Sunday night, Dankwambo emphasised Atiku’s enduring influence, describing him as a beloved and respected leader in the region.

 

“Whether Atiku is in the PDP or ADC, he remains our leader in the North,” Dankwambo stated. “We love and respect him not only because of his personality but also by virtue of his former position as Vice President. That stature doesn’t fade with a change of platform.”

 

The comment comes amid widespread speculation over Atiku’s recent shift to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as opposition realignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Dankwambo, a prominent PDP figure himself, used the occasion to highlight the importance of unity within the party, urging members to focus on consolidation rather than leadership disputes.

 

“It’s time to build the party,” he noted. “Leadership is not our priority right now; stability and unity are. We recognise our leaders, not by party lines alone, but by their contribution and position in the national political space.”

 

He also acknowledged other prominent northern figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

 

“Shettima is our Vice President; he’s from this zone, and we love and appreciate him. We hope one day he also joins our party. Likewise, Namadi Sambo remains our leader,” Dankwambo added.

 

Addressing his own political future, Dankwambo made it clear he would not be contesting for the presidency in 2027.

 

“I’ve done it before, but for now, I don’t intend to run for president. Let us focus on rebuilding the party. Only God gives power,” he said.

 

The PDP stakeholders’ meeting, according to him, was aimed at updating members on the outcome of the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. He noted that the PDP remains the most organised political structure in the country, having concluded all its congresses at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels.

 

“Unlike other parties, PDP has completed all its congresses where due. We are prepared and have already fixed the date for our national convention,” Dankwambo said.

 

Also present at the meeting was Senator Anthony Siyako (Gombe South), who used the occasion to dispel concerns about division within the party.

 

“Seeing all of us—members of the National Assembly and State Assembly—should tell you that all is well in the PDP,” Siyako remarked.

 

He also downplayed the perceived influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the party’s internal affairs.

 

“Wike is just one individual. PDP is not a one-man business. No party has the grassroots structure and internal cohesion that PDP has. Others are merely convenience coalitions that can break apart at any moment,” Siyako added.