Atiku distances self from son’s APC move, insists defection personal

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday said the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was purely personal and did not reflect his own political position.

Atiku, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, stated this in a post on his verified X handle, noting that differing political choices among family members were normal in a democracy.

He stressed that he had never imposed his political views on his children or any Nigerian.

“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” the former vice president 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.”

While acknowledging his son’s right to choose his political path, Atiku took a swipe at the APC-led Federal Government, accusing it of poor governance and worsening economic hardship.

“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.

The PDP chieftain reiterated his commitment to working with like-minded Nigerians to provide an alternative platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I remain resolute in working with patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope and progress,” he added.

Abba Abubakar formally defected from the PDP to the APC on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other party leaders from the North-East.

Announcing his move, Abba described the defection as “historic and personal” and pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.

“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he said, directing coordinators of his political structure to join the APC.

The development has sparked mixed reactions within the PDP, with party insiders insisting Atiku remains firmly in the opposition fold despite his son’s new political alignment.