Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly commended Senator Binos Yaroe and eight other senators who recently defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), framing their move as a significant act for Nigeria’s democratic health.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Atiku praised the lawmakers for joining the ADC “not for personal gain, but in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.” He highlighted that their decision to align with the opposition, amid reported pressures to support the ruling party, demonstrated “courage, conviction, and commitment to national interest.”
The former vice president underscored the essential role of a credible opposition in a functioning democracy. “Democracy without credible opposition is democracy in name only,” he stated, adding that the senators’ defection strengthens collective efforts for accountability, good governance, and a better future for Nigerians. He concluded that when leaders prioritize principle over political pressure, “the nation wins.”
This defection of nine senators to the ADC was previously reported by Media Talk Africa, positioning the party as the leading minority bloc in the National Assembly. The development contributes to the shifting dynamics within Nigeria’s legislature, where a robust opposition is viewed as critical for checks and balances on the executive. The senators’ move is parsed as a reinforcement of multiparty competition, a foundational element for sustaining democratic governance and public trust in the political system.
