By Mustapha Salisu
A former political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dr. Aslam Aliyu, has officially defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that no opposition party is capable of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Announcing her defection in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Aliyu, popularly known as the Princess of Kaura Namoda, said her decision followed nearly two decades of political engagement within Atiku Abubakar’s political camp.
She said her move was informed by what she described as the opposition’s inability to present a credible development agenda capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“For almost two decades, I worked tirelessly within the political camp of H.E. Atiku Abubakar. Throughout that period, my loyalty never wavered and my contributions were absolute. However, it has become undeniably clear that the opposition lacks a meaningful development blueprint or a viable national rescue plan,” she stated.
Aliyu, who described herself as a politician, humanitarian leader and empowerment strategist, criticised the emerging opposition coalition, describing it as lacking direction and substance.
According to her, the coalition has failed to provide practical alternatives to the policies of the current administration.
“The touted opposition coalition is a hoax. It lacks trust even among its members and has no concrete plan for the country. Its only strategy is to criticise the government without presenting viable solutions,” she said.
Declaring her support for President Tinubu, Aliyu said the country requires structural reforms and purposeful leadership rather than what she termed “perpetual political grievances.”
She urged Nigerian youths, women and members of the opposition to support the Tinubu administration, insisting that the President remains well-positioned for re-election in 2027.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election by the grace of Almighty Allah,” she said.
Aliyu also called on her supporters and other Nigerians to align with the APC and support the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said her decision to join the ruling party was based on her conviction that national development requires “clarity, structure and actionable governance.”
The former Atiku ally added that her defection was driven by a desire to contribute more effectively to national development and grassroots empowerment within what she described as a more structured governing platform.
Her defection represents another high-profile political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly given her long-standing association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political camp.