Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally announced his defection from his former party and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political development includes his pledge to actively work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election. The move comes as his father, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested against Tinubu on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, is reportedly a top aspirant for the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Abba Abubakar was officially received into the APC on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone. Party officials have heralded this defection as a major boost for the APC’s consolidation drive ahead of the next election cycle, describing it as both symbolic and strategic.

During the reception, Abba Abubakar declared his full alignment with the APC, characterizing the moment as both historic and deeply personal. He explicitly announced his exit from his former party, stating his decision to join the APC was influenced by the “outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin,” and his belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda. He further directed all coordinators and members of the political organization he founded in 2022, previously known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately align with the APC and support President Tinubu’s agenda. The organization has since been formally renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signaling a complete realignment of its structure and mission.

The APC leadership enthusiastically welcomed Abba Abubakar. Senator Barau Jibrin congratulated him for making what he described as a “bold, wise and principled decision,” assuring him and his supporters of maximum support within the party. Barau emphasized that Abba’s decision was based on ideology and conviction, not paternal influence, stating, “You didn’t come here because of your father. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda.” The Deputy Senate President also revealed that Abba had been following political developments from the United States and was impressed by the Tinubu administration’s reforms and outreach efforts, which prompted his return to Nigeria and decision to join the APC.

Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), described the defection as “symbolic and far-reaching,” noting that it underscored what he called “politics without borders.” Salihu expressed his happiness, stating that Abba had recognized and aligned with the policies and programs of the Tinubu administration, further stressing that the APC is a progressive party driven by ideology and policy, not personal ambition. He assured Abba of equal rights and privileges within the party.

Additionally, presidential aide Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi conveyed President Tinubu’s acceptance and support to the new entrant. Abdullahi remarked, “Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home. You and your coordinators have a future in this party.” The Kano State Coordinator of the former Haske Atiku Organisation, Hon. Mubarak Musa, affirmed the strategic nature of the defection, pledging to redouble their efforts for the APC in 2027 under Senator Barau’s leadership.

Reacting to his son’s decision on Thursday night, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar stated that the choice was “entirely personal.” He added, “In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.” As a democrat, he asserted that he does not coerce his own children in matters of conscience. While acknowledging his son’s personal decision, Atiku Abubakar reiterated his concern over the “poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” affirming his resolve to work with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.