Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu and his re election bid in 2027.
Abba announced his defection on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside prominent leaders of the APC from the North East.
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Abba described his decision as personal and historic, stressing that he was leaving the PDP, where he participated in the 2023 general election, to align with the APC. He said his move was influenced by what he described as the leadership qualities and political style of Senator Barau Jibrin.
Abba also pledged to mobilise support for the ruling party ahead of the next general election, declaring his readiness to work for the success of President Tinubu. He directed members and coordinators of his political association to join the APC and actively support the President’s second term ambition.
Reacting to his son’s defection, Atiku Abubakar said the decision was a personal choice and not a cause for concern. In a statement issued on Thursday via his X handle, the former Vice President said political differences within families were normal in a democracy.
Atiku maintained that he does not interfere in the political decisions of his children or any Nigerian, noting that freedom of conscience remains a core democratic value. However, he criticised the APC’s performance in government, saying his focus remained on what he described as poor governance and the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
He added that he would continue to work with like minded Nigerians to pursue what he called good governance and to provide an alternative vision aimed at restoring hope and progress in the country.