Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice that should not generate controversy.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku said it was normal in a democratic setting for family members to make independent political decisions, stressing that such choices were neither strange nor alarming.
“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 further emphasised his belief in freedom of conscience, noting that he does not impose his political views on his children or on Nigerians at large. “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he added.
The former vice president, however, took a swipe at the ruling party, insisting that his real concern lay with governance and the current condition 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.
Atiku reaffirmed his political resolve, saying he remained committed to working with others who share his vision for Nigeria’s future. “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.
Abba Abubakar recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, where he pledged to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The defection was formally announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Abba was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other prominent APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
Speaking at the event, Abba publicly announced his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC, describing the move as both 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 attributed his decision to the leadership qualities of the Deputy Senate President. “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 said.
Abba further declared his intention to mobilise political support for the ruling party ahead of the next general election. “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. To this effect, I’m directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu,” he added.
