Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns over his son Abba Abubakar's recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a purely personal decision.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday, Atiku emphasized that political choices within families are common in a democracy and should not be seen as alarming.
"The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal," he wrote.
He added: "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.
"Abba's defection, announced earlier on January 15 at the National Assembly in Abuja, came with a public pledge to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
He was formally received into the APC by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and other party leaders from the North-East zone.
Abba also directed members of his former political group, the Haske Atiku Organisation (founded in 2022), to join the APC and back Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, with the group symbolically renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.
Despite the family political divergence, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the current administration.
He criticized the APC's governance, pointing to "poor governance" and the "severe economic and social hardships" it has caused Nigerians.
"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.
"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."
The development has sparked widespread reactions in Nigeria's political circles, with some viewing it as a symbolic setback for Atiku, who recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of potential 2027 plans while others see it as an example of independent political choices.
Atiku, the PDP's 2023 presidential candidate, continues to position himself as a key figure in the opposition push for change in the upcoming elections.
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