**Atiku Reads the Signs: Defections a Sign of Pressure, Not Strength** The recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, with many interpreting it as a sign of the ruling party's growing strength. But former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not buying into that narrative. In his own words, these defections are evidence of pressure and intimidation, not a reflection of the APC's popularity. For Atiku, the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC is a clear example of this. Fintiri's move, which has implications for Atiku's own political base, has been met with widespread speculation about the reasons behind it. While Fintiri claimed that he made the decision after wide consultations and in the best interest of the state, many see it as a desperate attempt to cling to power. The defection is not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, several lawmakers in Adamawa State have also defected from the PDP to the APC, citing the party's internal crisis as the reason for their exit. For Atiku, this is a clear sign that the APC is using its power and influence to bully opposition politicians and turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Atiku's reaction to Fintiri's defection has been met with derision from the APC, with some of its officials even mocking him. But the former Vice President remains unfazed. In his own words, every politician has the right to choose their own path, and he respects that right. However, he also believes that anyone who chooses to stand with the APC is standing on the side of oppression, not patriotism. As Nigeria looks to the 2027 general election, Atiku's message is clear: it will be a straight contest between President Bola Tinubu and the APC on one side, and the Nigerian people on the other. He accuses Tinubu's administration of using state institutions to intimidate and bully its opponents, and warns that this will not be tolerated. For Atiku, the recent defections are a sign of the APC's desperation to cling to power, not a sign of its strength. As Nigeria moves towards the next general election, it remains to be seen whether Atiku's message will resonate with the people. One thing is clear, however: the stakes are high, and the choices we make