Atiku Explains Son’s Defection to APC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clarified that his son, Abba Abubakar, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of personal conviction and not under any pressure from him.
Abba had on January 15 announced his defection to the ruling party in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — Atiku’s rival in the 2023 presidential election. He also renamed his political group from Atiku Haske Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.
Reacting via a post on X, Atiku said his son’s political choice was private and consistent with democratic principles.
“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 wrote.
He stressed that he does not interfere with his children’s political beliefs or those of any Nigerian.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
Now a member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku said his main concern remains the performance of the ruling 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,” he added.
The former vice president said he would continue working with other patriots to offer Nigerians a better alternative.
“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and provide Nigerians with relief, hope and progress.”
In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku polled 6,984,520 votes on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Tinubu won with 8,794,726 votes.
Atiku officially joined the ADC last November after resigning from the PDP following internal disputes involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other party leaders. His move came as the ADC intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections, including opening its national headquarters and rolling out membership registration ahead of party congresses.
With the 2027 polls in view, Atiku has pledged to work with the ADC to build a strong opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling party.
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