Dare Babalola
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former presidential candidate in a statement issued on Thursday via X said his son’s decision a personal choice and not a cause for alarm.
Atiku argued that political choices made by family members were normal in a democracy and insisted he did not interfere with the conscience of his children or Nigerians.
He wrote, “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.”
Atiku, however, criticised the ruling party, saying his main concern remained governance and the state of 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.
“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 said.
Abba Abubakar defected from the PDP to the ruling APC on Thursday, pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The defection was announced at the National Assembly, Abuja, where Abba was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his decision to join the APC, describing the move as historic and personal.
“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 also cited the leadership of the Deputy Senate President as a factor in his decision, saying, “Today, I’m here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.”
Abba added that he would mobilise support for the ruling party ahead of the next election. “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’m directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he said.
