Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained that his son, Abba Abubakar’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was entirely personal and should not raise concerns about family or political loyalty.
Atiku stressed that the political choices of family members are a normal part of democratic life.
In a statement shared on Thursday via X, Atiku said he does not interfere with the political decisions of his children or Nigerians at large. He maintained that individuals are free to exercise their conscience when making political choices.
“The choice of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is a personal one. Such decisions are natural in a democracy and not alarming, even when family and politics overlap,” he said.
The former vice president, however, criticised the APC-led government, saying his main focus remains the state of governance and the difficulties Nigerians face under the current administration.
“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.
He also reiterated his commitment to collaborating with like-minded Nigerians to offer an alternative that restores good governance and provides relief, hope, and progress.
“I remain resolute in working with patriots to present Nigerians with a credible alternative that brings positive change,” Atiku added.
Abba Abubakar formally announced his defection from the PDP to the APC on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja. He was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, along with key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing party officials and supporters, Abba described his resignation from the PDP and decision to join the APC as both historic and deeply personal. He instructed all members of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately join the APC and support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027.
“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. Today, I formally announce my exit from my former party to join the APC. I am inspired by the leadership and direction of Senator Barau I. Jibrin,” Abba said.
He pledged to mobilise his political network for the ruling party, saying, “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. All coordinators of my association are directed to join the APC and work for President Tinubu.”
APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described Abba’s defection as symbolic and far-reaching, highlighting it as an example of “politics without borders.” Senator Barau also praised Abba’s move, calling it bold, principled, and based on ideology rather than family ties.
The event culminated in the renaming of Abba’s political structure from the Haske Atiku Organisation to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a full political realignment and public support for the APC’s 2027 agenda.
