Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has broken his silence on his son’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing the action to a personal choice.
Atiku, in a statement via X on Thursday, said the decision was not a cause for concern, adding that political choices made by family members were normal in a democracy and insisted he does not interfere with the conscience of his children or Nigerians.
“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 said.
The ex-VP, however, took a swipe at the APC, 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,” he added.
“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.”
Atiku’s son defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC, pledging to work for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The defection was announced on Thursday 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 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 added.
