Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar Atiku, has said that his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, is very free to join any political party of his choice.
He stated this while reacting to the defection of his son from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Atiku Jr, popularly know as Abba, announced his defection on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, described the move as a personal conviction shaped by recent political developments.
But the former Vice President, in a statement on Thursday, said he neither influenced nor opposed his son’s political choice, stressing that democracy allows individuals to act according to conscience, even when politics intersects with family.
He described the move as a personal decision while sharply criticising the governing party’s record in office.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” he said. “In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
Atiku, who has been a leading opposition figure emphasised that he does not compel his children or Nigerians 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 added.
However, Atiku used the occasion to restate his opposition to the APC-led government, accusing it of poor governance and presiding over worsening living conditions across the country.
Abba had while addressing party leaders on why he declared his intention to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, said his decision was influenced by the leadership style of Senator Barau and what he described as the performance and direction of the Tinubu administration.
He also announced the dissolution of his political support group, the Haske Atiku Organisation, founded in 2022, directing its coordinators and members to immediately join the APC.
He pledged to work closely with APC leaders to advance the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and support Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, while welcoming him into the party, described the defection as significant, saying it underscored the growing appeal of the APC’s policies and programmes.
He assured Abba of full integration and equal opportunities within the party.
Senator Barau, in his remarks, hailed the defection as a major political statement ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing Abba’s decision as bold and ideologically driven.
He stressed that the move was based on belief in Tinubu’s leadership and policy direction, rather than personal or family considerations.
The defection has further intensified political realignments ahead of the next election cycle, particularly within the North-East geopolitical zone.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, joined other APC leaders from the North-East to welcome Abba into the ruling APC.
