Atiku: My son’s defection to APC was personal, not a cause for concern
Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar has said his son, Abba Abubakar, acted independently in deciding to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement shared on X, Atiku said he respects the right of individuals, including his children, to make political choices based on their personal convictions, stressing that he does not impose his views on others.
On January 15, Abba Abubakar announced his defection to the APC, saying he would support the re-election of Bola Tinubu, who defeated his father in the 2023 presidential election.
Abba also unveiled a rebranding of his political support group, changing its name from the Atiku Haske Organisation, founded in 2022, to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said the move 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,” Abubakar wrote in an X post.
“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, who is now aligned with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his political focus remains on ending what he described as the APC’s poor governance record and preventing Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“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 added.
“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.”
In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), finishing second with 6,984,520 votes. Tinubu of the APC was declared winner with 8,794,726 votes.
Peter Obi**, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), placed third with 6,101,533 votes.
