THIS DAWN — The son of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Abba Atiku Abubakar, has joined the All Progressives Congress, to mobilize support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin and the National Vice Chairman of the APC, North East, Mustafa Salihu, Thursday evening, in Abuja.
Abba Abubakar Atiku also renamed the political group he founded to Haske Bola Tinubu Organinsation.
It was set up in 2022 as Atiku Haske organisation.
Atiku is in ADC but his son, formerly of PDP, has joined APC with a vow to work for Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku has released a statement defending his son’s “entirely personal” decision, saying he won’t coerce his son to act against his convictions.
Atiku Abubakar Reacts to Son’s Defection to APC
Former Vice President Abubakar has responded to the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC.
Abubakar described it as a personal choice that does not alter his own political convictions.
In a public reaction, Atiku emphasized that Abba’s move was “entirely personal”.
He noted that 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,” Atiku said.
He stressed that his primary concern remains the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships Nigerians are currently facing.
Focus on Governance
Atiku criticized the ruling party for failing to deliver relief to citizens, pointing to rising inflation, unemployment, and worsening living conditions.
He vowed to continue working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.
Political Context
Abba Abubakar’s defection to the APC has drawn attention because of his father’s long-standing opposition to the party.
Abba has pledged to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, even renaming his political group from the Atiku Haske Organisation to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.
Atiku, however, made it clear that his son’s decision does not reflect his own political stance.
He reiterated his commitment to building a coalition for change outside the APC.
Atiku Abubakar’s response, observers note, signifies the complexities of family and politics in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
While his son aligns with the APC, Atiku remains firm in his opposition, positioning himself as a voice for Nigerians seeking an alternative path to governance.
“I remain resolute in working with patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative,” he concluded.
