Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abba Atiku on Thursday formally announced his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC at an event held at the National Assembly in Abuja. He also pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The defection, which has stirred reactions within political circles, is being viewed as a symbolic boost for the APC, particularly in the North-East geopolitical zone, and a strategic gain for the party ahead of the next general election.
Abba was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other prominent APC leaders from the region. Party leaders described the move as a significant political realignment.
Addressing APC leaders and supporters, Abba Atiku described his defection as historic and personal, announcing his full alignment with the ruling party. He also directed members and coordinators of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation, founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and mobilise support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC,” he said.
He attributed his decision to what he described as the “outstanding leadership style and quality” of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.
“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. To this effect, I am directing all coordinators and members of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he added.
Reacting to his son’s decision, Atiku Abubakar said the move was entirely personal and posed no threat to democratic values.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect,” Atiku said.
He stressed that he does not impose his political views on his children or anyone else.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he stated.
However, the former vice president expressed deep concern over what he described as the poor governance of the APC and the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” Atiku said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with like-minded Nigerians to provide an alternative leadership for the country.
“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress,” he added.
