By Amofokhai Williams
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has broken his silence on the high-profile defection of his son, Abba Abubakar (commonly known as Abba), from the opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a purely personal decision that does not alter his own political stance or commitment to challenging the current administration.
In a statement posted on his verified X account late Thursday evening following Abba’s formal announcement and reception into the APC at the National Assembly, Atiku emphasized democratic principles and family autonomy while redirecting attention to what he sees as the core issues facing Nigeria.
“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. As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he said.
He added: “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people. 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. -AA”
The response, which garnered significant engagement online including thousands of likes, reposts, and replies, came hours after Abba publicly resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, and directed his political structure, previously the Haske Atiku Organisation, to merge into the APC under the new name Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.
Abba was received by Deputy President of the Senate Senator Barau Jibrin and APC National Vice Chairman (North-East) Mustapha Salihu, who hailed the move as a boost for the ruling party in the region and a sign of “politics without borders.”
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the PDP banner and has since aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of broader opposition efforts, appeared to downplay any familial or political rift.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning opposition unity and others seeing it as emblematic of shifting allegiances ahead of 2027.
APC supporters have portrayed it as a “generational rebuke” to Atiku’s political brand, while opposition voices have dismissed it as inconsequential.
