Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the All Progressives Congress was a personal choice and not a cause for alarm.
In a post on Thursday via X, Atiku said political choices made by family members were normal in a democracy and insisted he did 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,” Atiku said.
He added, “As a Democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
However, Atiku berated the ruling party, 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 said.
He also stated, “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.”
Chronicle NG reports that Abba Abubakar defected from the PDP to the ruling APC, pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Abba was formally welcomed by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and other important APC officials from the Northeast geopolitical zone.
Abba addressed party officials and supporters during the occasion, announcing his resignation from the PDP and his intention to join the APC, calling the move 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 mentioned the Deputy Senate President’s leadership 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 His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.”
Abba also stated that he will mobilize support for the ruling party ahead of the next election. “With this development, I will collaborate with Senator Barau to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027. To that end, I am directing all of my association’s coordinators to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he stated.
