Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has broken his silence following the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing the move as a personal decision that does not trouble him.
In a statement released on Thursday via X, Atiku said political choices by family members are normal in a democracy, stressing that he neither interferes with nor dictates the political conscience of his children or any Nigerian.
“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 added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
While distancing himself from his son’s political decision, Atiku turned his attention to the ruling party, expressing concern over what he described as poor governance and the worsening 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.
He further stated, “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.”
Abba Abubakar had earlier defected from the PDP to the APC, publicly pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where Abba was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside prominent APC leaders from the North-East.
Speaking before party leaders and supporters, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP, describing his decision to join the APC 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 pointed to the leadership of the Deputy Senate President as a key influence, saying, “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.”
Declaring his next political steps, Abba vowed to mobilise support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls.
“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 said.
