The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, scored a major political gain on Thursday as Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Atiku’s son, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.
APC leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.
Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Atiku’s son said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.
“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.
Abba pledged to work closely with Senator Barau to actualise President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, directing members and coordinators of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately align with the APC and support the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. To this effect, I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he added.Reacting to his son’s defection, Atiku, a former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, described his son’s latest political move as a “personal choice“.
In a statement posted on his X handle, 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.”
Atiku added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “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.”
