Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, have publicly clashed over their views on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The disagreement followed a major political announcement on Wednesday by the son, widely known as Abba. He officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which his father has led for years, and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at his declaration event, Abba Atiku Abubakar was clear about his reasons.
“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 stated.
He explained that his choice was influenced by the leadership of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and, more importantly, his positive view of the current administration’s work.
“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. To this effect, I am directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” Abba added, making a direct commitment to the president’s re-election campaign.
Father’s Firm Rebuttal
A few hours after his son’s public declaration, Atiku Abubakar responded. While he defended his son’s right to make a personal choice, he strongly contradicted Abba’s praise for the government.
In a written statement, the former presidential candidate said his son’s decision to join the APC was “entirely personal.” He stressed that in a democracy, people are free to choose their political paths, even within families.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku wrote.
He then directly addressed the core of their disagreement: the performance of the Tinubu-led APC government.
“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” the statement read, offering a view completely opposite to his son’s.
Atiku concluded by reiterating his own political mission, separate from his son’s new path: “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.”
What This Means
This public difference of opinion between a top opposition leader and his son highlights the deep political divides in Nigeria. For the ruling APC, gaining the support of a prominent opposition figure’s son is seen as a significant victory. For the PDP and Atiku, it is a personal and political challenge, but one they are attempting to frame as an example of democratic freedom.
The incident also puts a spotlight on the national debate about President Tinubu’s policies, their impact on Nigerians, and the battle for public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections. While one member of the Abubakar family sees progress and pledges support, the other sees hardship and vows to provide an alternative.
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