The Nigerian political landscape witnessed a notable development on Thursday as Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a swift reaction to the news, the elder Abubakar described his son’s move as a “personal choice,” maintaining that such crossovers are a hallmark of a functioning democracy.
### The Defection and 2027 Pledge
The younger Abubakar formalized his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a high-profile reception at the National Assembly in Abuja. He was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC North-East Zonal Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu.
Addressing party leaders, Abba Abubakar cited the leadership qualities of Senator Jibrin as a primary motivator for his decision. He further pledged to mobilize his national political structures to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC,” Abba stated. “I will work to actualize the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027, and I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work toward this goal.”
### ‘A Matter of Conscience,’ Says Atiku
Responding to the development via a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar downplayed the political friction the move might suggest. He emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, even within his own 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. As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
However, the former Vice President took the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to the ruling party’s policies. He noted that while his son is free to choose his path, his own focus remains on addressing what he termed the “severe economic and social hardships” imposed by the APC administration.
“My main concern remains governance and the state of the country,” Atiku added. “I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.”
### Regional Implications
Political analysts suggest that the defection carries significant weight in the North-East geopolitical zone, a traditional stronghold for the Abubakar family. By securing Abba’s loyalty, the APC aims to strengthen its foothold in the region ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Senator Barau Jibrin hailed the move as a positive sign for the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, describing the younger Abubakar as a “progressive mind” whose entry would add value to the party’s national structure.
As of press time, the PDP national leadership has yet to issue an official comment on the departure of one of its prominent young members.
