Atiku speaks on decision of his son to join APC, backs Tinubu’s re-election

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and work for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku, who decamped from the APC to contest the presidency in 2015 said this in a short statement he published on his social media handles late Thursday evening. The former Vice President said the decision of his son to join the APC is entirely personal.

He argued that in a democracy, ‘such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect’

Atiku further added that as democrat, he does not his children in matters of conscience and will also not coerce Nigerians.

“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,” Atiku said.

The junior Abubakar formally defected to APC and declared his intention to support the re-election of Tinubu in 2027 at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, was officially received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, alongside APC leaders from the North-East into the party.

Why I dumped PDP for APC

Speaking at the event, Abba said he has dumped PDP and has aligned with the APC, He said his decision was a personal conviction shaped by recent political developments.

The son of the former Vice President also directed leaders his political support group, the Haske Atiku Organisation to immediately join the APC.

Abba said his decision was influenced by the leadership style of Senator Barau and the ‘performance’ and direction of the Tinubu administration.

Abba also pledged to work closely with APC leaders to advance the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and support Tinubu’s second-term bid.

APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu who was present at the event, described the defection as significant.

He added that the move underscored the growing appeal of the APC’s policies and programmes while assuring Abba of full integration and equal opportunities within the party.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Barau, said the defection was a major political statement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that Abba’s decision is bold and ideologically driven and based on belief in Tinubu’s leadership and policy direction, rather than personal or family considerations.

However, the defection of Abba will definitely rankles Atiku who is one of the political heavyweights behind the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a platform adopted by the opposition as a vehicle for confronting President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku joined the ADC after resigning from the PDP.

Atiku who also contested the presidential election against Tinubu in 2023 under the platform of PDP and came second in the election is regarded as a frontrunner for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.

Others who have signified interest in the ADC presidential ticket include Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election and former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

But will defection of Abba affect Atiku’s chances to get the APC presidential ticket?