Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a personal decision.
Abba Abubakar defected to the APC on Thursday and pledged to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Atiku distances himself from son’s political choice
In a statement, Atiku said his son’s decision was not unusual in a democratic system, even when politics intersects with family relationships.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku said.
He added that he does not impose his political beliefs on his children or anyone else, stressing that freedom of choice remains a core democratic principle.
Criticism of APC governance
While distancing himself from his son’s move, the former vice president criticised the APC’s record in government, blaming the party for what he described as widespread economic and social hardship.
“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” Atiku stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with allies to pursue what he called a credible alternative for Nigerians, focused on improved governance and national recovery.
