Atiku: My Son’s Defection to APC is Personal, But I Reject the Party’s Governance

Pat Stevens/

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to his son Abba Abubakar’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a personal decision while sharply criticising the governing party’s record in office.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku said he neither influenced nor opposed his son’s political choice, stressing that democracy allows individuals to act according to conscience, even when politics intersects with family.

“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku said. “In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

The former vice president, who has been a leading opposition figure and a former presidential candidate of the PDP, emphasised that he does not compel his children or Nigerians in political matters.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he added.

However, Atiku used the occasion to restate his opposition to the APC-led government, accusing it of poor governance and presiding over worsening living conditions across 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,” he said. “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.”

Abba Atiku-Abubakar formally announced his defection earlier on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside senior APC figures from the North East.

Declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election, Abba described his move as a decision taken out of personal conviction.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku-Abubakar, popularly known as Abba. I am here today to formally announce my resignation from my former party and my decision to join the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

He urged members of his political platform, the Haske Atiku Organisation, to defect with him and align with the APC, pledging to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second term under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abba said he would work closely with Senator Barau to strengthen the party’s grassroots support and ensure effective mobilisation ahead of future elections.

Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman for the North East, Alhaji Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as significant, arguing that it reflected growing confidence in the policies of the Tinubu administration.

“This is one of my happiest days. This young man has assessed the programmes and policies of President Tinubu and has chosen to identify with them,” Salihu said.

Senator Barau also praised Abba’s decision, stressing that it was driven by ideology rather than family ties.

“You have taken a decision rooted in ideology. You are not here because of who your father is. You are here because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Deputy Senate President said.

The defection has attracted wide political attention, given Atiku Abubakar’s stature as one of the most prominent opposition leaders in Nigeria and his long-standing rivalry with the APC.

While Atiku has made clear that his son’s decision does not alter his political stance, analysts say the development underscores the increasingly fluid and personalised nature of party politics ahead of the 2027 elections.