“Freedom of association, expression are fundamental rights,” Atiku reacts to ex-running mate, others’ defections

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement released on X on Friday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, said it is important to state clearly that “freedom of association and expression are core democratic rights — not privileges”.

“Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights,” he wrote.

“Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.”

On Wednesday, Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent governor of Delta, left the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Ifeanyi Okowa, his immediate predecessor, is set to join the ruling party soon.

Oborevwori succeeded Okowa as the governor of Delta after winning the 2023 election on the platform of the PDP.