Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, widely known as Abba and son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In reaction to his son’s defection, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said on social media that Abba’s decision is an entirely personal decision, emphasising his respect for democratic freedoms.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, 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.”
He added: “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
While affirming his support for democratic principles, Atiku used the opportunity to reiterate his criticism of the APC-led federal government, citing concerns over what he described as poor governance and worsening economic and social conditions under President Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku stated that his focus remains on working with like-minded Nigerians to “restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
The defection has stirred debate within political circles, given Atiku’s prominence as a leader in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and one of the leading presidential aspirants for 2027 — a stance that stands in direct opposition to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Abba declared his intention to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.
The defection was formally announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Abba was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), and other APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
At the event, Abba said he was quitting the PDP and aligning with the APC, calling the move “historic” and a deeply personal decision. He directed members and coordinators of his political platform, the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately join the APC and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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, adding that he would work closely with Senator Barau to actualise Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Welcoming Abba into the APC fold, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching, reflecting “politics without borders,” while Senator Barau said the move was “bold, wise and principled.”
