Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) stalwart, Atiku Abubakar, has broken his silence following the defection of his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar (popularly known as Abba), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating he does not coerce his family but remains resolute in ousting the party from power.
The political landscape was jolted yesterday when Abba Abubakar publicly announced his exit from the PDP, the party his father championed for decades before joining the ADC coalition in 2025, and crossed over to the APC.
In a move signaling a significant familial-political schism, Abba pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
“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,” Abba declared.
He attributed his defection to what he termed the “outstanding leadership style” of Senate Deputy President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
He directed all coordinators of his political association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
However, reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s decision as a matter of personal conscience and democratic choice, while swiftly pivoting to a scathing critique of the APC.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku stated. “In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He emphasized his democratic principles, saying, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
However, the former presidential candidate quickly shifted focus from the family matter to the national stage, drawing a clear battle line. “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 asserted.
Reaffirming his political commitment, Atiku concluded, “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.”
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