Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abba formally joined the APC on Thursday, January 15, and pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Atiku said his son’s decision to switch political parties was a personal choice and should not be misconstrued as a reflection of his own political stance.
“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.”
The former vice president stressed that he respects individual freedom of choice and does not impose his political beliefs on his family members or others.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he added.
However, Atiku reiterated his strong criticism of the APC-led government, blaming it for what he described as widespread economic and social hardship across 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 stated.
He further affirmed his commitment to working with political allies to challenge the ruling party and offer Nigerians an alternative.
“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,” Atiku said.
Abba’s defection has continued to generate reactions within Nigeria’s political space, given his father’s long-standing opposition role and influence in national politics.