Politics
BREAKING: Atiku’s son, Abba Abubakar, joins APC, backs Tinubu’s 2027 bid
Abba Abubakar’s defection has underlined shifting loyalties in Nigeria’s opposition space.
Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), openly declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.
The defection was formally announced on Thursday in Abuja during a political gathering held at the National Assembly complex, marking one of the most symbolic crossovers involving a close associate of Nigeria’s leading opposition figure.
Abba, who played an active role during the 2023 presidential campaign, tendered his resignation from the PDP and pledged allegiance to the ruling party, a move that has drawn attention due to his political lineage and previous involvement in opposition politics.
He was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other prominent APC leaders from the North-East.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Abba confirmed his decision to leave the PDP, describing the move as deliberate and driven by conviction rather than sentiment.
“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba,” he said. “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.”
He attributed his defection to what he described as the leadership qualities and political style of Senator Barau Jibrin, whom he praised for his organisational capacity and influence.
“Following the outstanding leadership and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, I have decided to align myself with the APC,” he added.
Abba also pledged to work actively towards the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, directing members of his political base to follow suit.
“With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I hereby direct all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for the President,” he declared.
He announced the immediate defection of members of his political platform, the Haske Atiku Organisation, which was formed in 2022.
Welcoming him into the party, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as both symbolic and politically significant.
According to Salihu, the move reflected a growing shift beyond traditional political divides and underscored the APC’s expanding appeal.
“Today is one of my happiest days,” Salihu said. “We are looking beyond old social and political cleavages. This young man has assessed the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and chosen to align with them.”
He assured Abba of equal rights and full participation within the party, stressing that the APC was driven by governance ideas and national development goals rather than personal affiliations.
In his remarks, Senator Barau commended Abba’s decision, describing it as courageous and ideologically driven.
“You did not come here because of your father,” Barau said. “You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Deputy Senate President revealed that Abba had spent time observing political developments from outside the country, adding that the administration’s reforms and inclusive outreach influenced his return and eventual defection.
A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, also welcomed Abba into the APC, assuring him and his supporters of acceptance and political growth within the party.
“Just as Atiku is your father, Tinubu is also your father,” Abdullahi said. “Your decision represents a return home, and you have a future here.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kano State coordinator Hon. Mubarak Musa described the move as strategic, confirming that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated under the leadership of Senator Barau.
The event concluded with a symbolic rebranding of Abba’s political platform, as the Haske Atiku Organisation was renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a complete political realignment and formal endorsement of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
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