Newsworth | Danjuma Amodu | January 16, 2026
Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work towards President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027.
At a ceremony held at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, Abba, as he is popularly known, announced his resignation from the PDP and declared full alignment with the APC.
He attributed his decision to admiration for Senator Barau Jibrin’s leadership style and the perceived performance of the Tinubu administration, describing the move as both “historic” and deeply personal.”
He directed all coordinators and members of his political structure, formerly the Haske Atiku Organisation – to immediately join the APC and mobilise support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Abba declared.
His political group was promptly renamed Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling total realignment ahead of the next election cycle.
Senator Barau welcomed Abba into the APC, praising the defection as “bold, wise and principled,” and insisting it was driven by ideology rather than family ties.
Similarly, National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the move as “symbolic and far-reaching,” reflecting a shift towards “politics without borders”.
Atiku Abubakar Reaction
In response, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar released a statement emphasising that his son’s choice was entirely personal and rooted in individual conscience, not family pressure or coercion.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely his own,” Atiku said. “In a functioning democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when they touch upon family ties.”
He reiterated his commitment to democratic principles. “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
While respecting Abba’s autonomy, Atiku expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current governance challenges, rising economic hardship, insecurity, and declining living standards under the APC-led administration. He urged Nigerians to focus on these pressing national issues rather than speculation surrounding individual party switches.
Atiku reaffirmed his resolve to collaborate with like-minded patriots across party lines to rebuild Nigeria’s future.
“I remain steadfast in working alongside others who share the same vision to offer Nigerians a credible alternative that delivers relief, renewed hope, and lasting progress,” he concluded.
