In a shocking move, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Abba, as he is commonly known, has pledged his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Abba cited the leadership style of Senator Barau Jibrin and the policies of the Tinubu administration as reasons for his decision. His defection has been welcomed by APC leaders, including Senator Barau, who praised his decision as “bold, wise, and principled”.
Atiku Abubakar, Abba’s father, described his son’s decision as “entirely personal” and emphasized that he doesn’t coerce his children in matters of conscience. He expressed concern about the APC’s governance and the economic hardships it has imposed on Nigerians.
Abba has directed his supporters to join the APC and mobilize support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This move is seen as a significant boost for the APC, especially with the 2027 elections looming.
Atiku Abubakar has a large family with 28 known children, and some of them are involved in politics. Abba is not the only one making waves; his brother, Mohammed Abubakar, is also involved in politics and has been vocal about his father’s presidential ambitions.
The defection of Abba has sparked interest in the political landscape, with many wondering what this means for the PDP and APC. The Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens’ freedom of association, including joining or forming political parties (Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution).
This is not an isolated incident, as other children of top Nigerian politicians have also made similar moves. Blessing Onuh, daughter of David Mark, initially contested under APGA, later defected to APC, and now represents Otukpo/Ohimini federal constituency. Nasir El-Rufai’s son, Bello El-Rufai, is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, and has declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The move by Abba and other children of prominent politicians highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics and the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution.
