‘Disloyal politicians’ – Former gov tells PDP never to accept Atiku, others return

Babangida Aliyu, the former governor of Niger State, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to permanently exclude politicians who deserted the party during challenging periods.

During a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, Aliyu cautioned that the reintegration of such individuals could jeopardize the credibility and stability of the party in anticipation of the 2027 general election.

He said: “Those who left the party when we needed them most should not be welcomed back.

“We must draw the line and make it clear that loyalty has consequences. You cannot keep running in and out of the party.”

Although he did not mention names, Aliyu’s remarks were interpreted as a veiled reference to former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and others who have moved between parties in the past.

Aliyu urged the PDP to reward long-standing members and build a stronger opposition rooted in discipline and ideological commitment.

“We should be repositioning for the future, not recycling disloyal politicians,” he added.

The PDP has struggled to retain unity in recent years, with several prominent figures defecting to other parties or launching separate platforms.