Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said unwavering loyalty in Nigerian politics often comes at a personal cost, revealing that his commitment to loyalism once forced him into exile and exposed him to assassination attempts. Speaking at the launch of The Loyalist, Atiku reflected on the complexities of political loyalty, while African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders used the event to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing claims that defecting governors can determine election outcomes.
Atiku described loyalty as “non-negotiable” in the military and paramilitary traditions but said his experience in politics had shown that loyalty in democratic systems is far more fluid and often costly.
“For those of us who come from the military and paramilitary professions, loyalty is absolute,” Atiku said.
“But in politics, I have realised that loyalty is not as rigid.”
He said loyalty was the reason he suffered exile and survived multiple assassination attempts, describing such sacrifices as part of the price paid by public figures who choose principle over convenience.
Explaining the relevance of The Loyalist, Atiku said the book challenges readers to reflect on loyalty to country, institutions, community and moral conscience, rather than blind allegiance to individuals.
“The book offers a principled lens for distinguishing truth from rhetoric,” he said.
“Loyalty should strengthen our common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging.”
He added that genuine loyalty requires accountability, transparency and openness to dissent, stressing that leadership must embrace diversity of thought while safeguarding the dignity of all citizens.
Aregbesola Mocks APC Over Defections
Former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, used the platform to challenge the APC’s growing narrative that defections by governors automatically translate into electoral victories.
He argued that recent election results prove otherwise.
“Governors do not win elections; the people do,” Aregbesola said, calling on the Federal Government to commit sincerely to free and fair elections.
To support his argument, Aregbesola referenced voting outcomes from the South-West and South-East.
In the South-West, where the APC controlled nearly all states, he said the party achieved a maximum of 55 per cent of votes, with opposition parties sharing the remainder. He cited Lagos State, where the APC presidential candidate lost his ward, local government and the state.
In the South-East, he said APC’s performance was even weaker, securing just 5.8 per cent of total votes in the zone.
“These results clearly show that governors do not impose victories on the people,” he said.
Call for Electoral Integrity
Aregbesola urged authorities to prioritise credible elections rather than relying on political defections.
“Commit to a free and fair process, and let us see the outcome,” he said.
“That is all we are asking.
ADC Leadership Reaction
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, described the book’s author as principled and forthright, noting that even when disagreements arose, his counsel was consistently respected.
The remarks highlight growing opposition concerns over democratic integrity, political loyalty and electoral credibility ahead of future elections. Analysts say the comments reflect deeper anxieties about governance, party dominance and the role of institutions in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
