Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has publicly addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice in a democratic society.
In a statement posted on social media, Atiku emphasized that such political shifts are commonplace and not cause for alarm, even when they involve family members. “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” he wrote.
“In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, underscored his respect for individual autonomy in political matters. “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he stated, highlighting his non-interfering stance.
The 2023 PDP flagbearer’s response comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where defections between major parties like the PDP and APC have become a frequent occurrence, especially ahead of election cycles. Abba Abubakar’s move to the APC, the party currently holding the presidency under Bola Tinubu, marks a notable family divergence in one of Nigeria’s most prominent political dynasties.
Shifting focus from the personal to the national, Atiku expressed deep concern over the APC’s administration. “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 noted, pointing to issues such as inflation, unemployment, and insecurity that have plagued the country in recent years.
Despite the family development, Atiku reaffirmed his dedication to opposition politics and national improvement. “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 concluded, signing off with his initials “-AA.”
This statement aligns with Atiku’s consistent criticism of the APC-led government since his defeat in the 2023 presidential race, where he secured over 6.9 million votes but fell short of Tinubu’s tally. Political analysts suggest that such public responses help maintain party unity and signal Atiku’s potential interest in future electoral contests, though he has not yet announced plans for 2027.
Neither Abba Abubakar nor APC officials have immediately responded to the statement. The development adds to the intrigue in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, where familial ties often intersect with partisan loyalties.
