Abubakar “Abba” Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. The defection, announced on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, has drawn significant attention within political circles, where it is being interpreted as both a symbolic and strategic development in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly as parties begin early positioning ahead of the next general elections.
The announcement took place at the National Assembly complex, where Abba was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone. The event was marked by speeches from party leaders, expressions of support, and visible efforts by the APC to present the defection as part of a broader consolidation strategy in the region. Party officials described the move as a notable political realignment, given Abba’s background and his association with one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Abba publicly announced his resignation from the PDP and his decision to align fully with the APC. Introducing himself, he said, “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC.” His statement drew applause from APC members present, underscoring the political weight the ruling party attaches to the defection.
Abba further explained that his decision was influenced by what he described as the leadership style within the APC, particularly that of the Deputy President of the Senate. “Today, I’m here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin,” he said. He framed the move as both historic and deeply personal, suggesting that it was based on conviction rather than pressure or circumstance.
Declaring his political intentions going forward, Abba pledged to actively support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office. “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” he stated. In a decisive step, he directed all members of his political structure to follow him into the ruling party, adding, “To this effect, I’m directing all coordinators of my association to join APC and work for President Tinubu.”
The political structure referenced by Abba, the Haske Atiku Organisation, was founded by him in 2022 and played a role in mobilising support during the 2023 elections. At the event, it was formally announced that the group would be dissolved into the APC, marking a complete break from its former alignment. The organisation was also officially renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, a move that party leaders described as a clear declaration of loyalty to the president and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Welcoming Abba into the APC, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as both symbolic and far-reaching. “Today is one of my happiest days. We are looking beyond old social and political cleavages,” Salihu said. He added that Abba’s decision reflected what he called a new phase of “politics without borders,” where ideology and governance priorities take precedence over longstanding political affiliations.
Salihu further stated that the APC was driven by ideology and policy direction rather than personal ambition, assuring the new entrant of equal standing within the party. According to him, Abba’s move demonstrated an endorsement of the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes, which he said had begun to resonate with younger political actors across the country. He emphasised that the ruling party was open to all Nigerians willing to contribute to its vision.
In his remarks, Senator Barau Jibrin congratulated Abba for what he described as a “bold, wise and principled decision.” He assured him and his supporters of full backing from the party leadership, stressing that the defection was not based on family ties but on shared beliefs. “You have made a decision based on ideology. 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,” Barau said.
The Deputy Senate President also disclosed that Abba had been closely following political developments from the United States, where he had been based, and was impressed by the Tinubu administration’s reforms and outreach efforts. According to Barau, these factors influenced his return to Nigeria and eventual decision to join the APC. “He is young, focused and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country. This is the kind of youth Nigeria needs,” Barau added.
Also speaking at the event, a presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, assured Abba of President Tinubu’s acceptance and support within the party. “Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home. You and your coordinators have a future in this party,” Abdullahi said, reinforcing the APC’s message of inclusiveness and internal cohesion.
On behalf of the defecting group, the Kano State Coordinator, Mubarak Musa, described the move as strategic and pledged total commitment to the APC’s goals. “We have worked around the clock for our former platform. We will double our efforts and deliver for the APC in 2027,” Musa said. He added that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated through Senator Barau, whom he described as their political father and a key pillar of the APC in the North.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar responded to his son’s defection by describing it as a personal decision that should not be a source of controversy. In a statement issued on Thursday via X, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.” He stressed that he did not interfere in the political choices of his children or other Nigerians.
Atiku further defended democratic freedom and criticised the ruling party’s governance record. “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he said. However, he added that his primary concern remained the state of the nation, stating, “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 concluded by reaffirming his commitment to opposition politics, saying, “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.”