Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement issued on Thursday via X, Atiku said “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.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce 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.
“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.”
Dateline Nigeria reports that Abba Atiku’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, where he also pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, was announced on Thursday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Senator Jibrin formally received Abba at the National Assembly in Abuja, along with key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
Speaking at the event, Abba said “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.
“With this development, I will work closely with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. I am also directing all coordinators and members of my organisation, Haske Atiku Association now Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation to join the APC and work for the second term bid of President Tinubu.”
Welcoming Abba, Barau said “I described his decision as courageous and ideological. He made this decision based on conviction, not because of who his father is, but because he believes in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ideology and programmes for the country.
“I assured him and his supporters of maximum support within the party. He has been following political developments of the country from the United States and was impressed by the administration’s reforms and outreach efforts, prompting him to return home and join the APC.”
The highlight of the event was the renaming of the political association of Abba, Haske Atiku, to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a complete realignment of its structure and mission ahead of 2027.
