Atiku Reacts As Son Defects To APC, Backs Tinubu’s Re-Election

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described his son’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a personal decision, insisting that political choices by family members are normal in a democratic setting.

Atiku made the clarification on Thursday in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, following reports that his son, Abba Abubakar, had joined the ruling APC and pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“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 added that he does not impose his political beliefs on his children or on Nigerians at large.

“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 presidential candidate criticised the APC-led Federal Government, saying his major concern remained governance and the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.

“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 further reaffirmed his commitment to working with other stakeholders to provide an alternative leadership option for Nigerians.

“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.

Abba Abubakar formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other APC leaders from the North-East.

Addressing party leaders and supporters, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and described his move to the APC as a personal and historic decision.

“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,” he said.

He cited the leadership style of the Deputy Senate President as one of the reasons for his defection, pledging to mobilise support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.

“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Abba said, urging members of his political association to join the APC.