Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasized that freedom of association and expression are fundamental democratic rights, not privileges. He made this statement in response to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku's comments were shared on X Friday, following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other party members in the state to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights. “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,” he wrote. WAFFI TV reports that Oborevwori has defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, is reportedly set to join the ruling party soon. Oborevwori succeeded Okowa as Delta State governor after winning the 2023 election on the PDP platform. In recent weeks, the PDP has seen several defections to the APC, with other governors and prominent party figures also believed to be planning to switch parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that any effort to undermine these democratic values poses a direct threat to Nigeria's democracy. He added that defections and political realignments are part of the country’s developing democratic culture and should not be regarded as acts of betrayal. “As someone who believes deeply in democratic ideals, I bear no ill will towards anyone who chooses a different political path. “Politics will always involve shifting alliances, we’ve seen them in the past and we’ll see more in the future,” he added.