By Amah
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Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the move as a strictly personal decision that does not reflect his own political stance.
Abba Abubakar recently announced his defection to the APC, where he pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The development has generated widespread political debate, given Atiku’s position as one of the most prominent opposition figures and a consistent critic of the Tinubu administration.
However,in a statement issued on Friday, Atiku made it clear that he neither influenced nor opposed his son’s decision, stressing his commitment to democratic values and freedom of choice.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku 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.”
The former vice president also used the opportunity to restate his strong opposition to the APC-led Federal Government, accusing it of poor governance and presiding over worsening economic and social conditions across the country.
“What truly concerns me,” he added, “is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
Atiku reaffirmed his resolve to remain in the opposition and continue working with other political stakeholders to challenge the ruling party, insisting that Nigeria needs a credible alternative capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public trust in governance.
“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,” he stated.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, has contested the presidency multiple times and was the PDP’s flagbearer in the 2023 general election, where he finished second behind President Tinubu of the APC. His political influence remains significant, particularly within opposition circles.
Abba Abubakar’s defection is one of several recent high-profile political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, reflecting shifting alliances and internal dynamics within Nigeria’s major political parties.
