BREAKING: Atiku’s Son Defects to APC, Endorses Tinubu for Second Term

The son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Abba Abubakar has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also openly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The defection was made public on Thursday in Abuja. The announcement took place at the National Assembly complex.

Abba, who was active during the 2023 presidential election, formally resigned from the PDP and aligned himself with the ruling party. His move is being seen as politically significant, given his family background and past role in opposition politics.

He was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin. Other APC leaders from the North-East were also present.

At the event, Abba addressed party leaders and supporters. He confirmed his exit from the PDP and announced his full entry into the APC.

He said, “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. 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 credited his decision to what he described as the leadership style of Senator Barau Jibrin.

Abba added, “Today, I’m here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.”

He went further to pledge support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He said, “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. To this effect, I’m directing all coordinators of my association to join the APC and work for President Tinubu.”

Abba also instructed members of his political group to immediately defect with him. The group, known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, was formed in 2022.

The APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, welcomed Abba into the party. He described the defection as symbolic and important.

Salihu said the move showed a new political direction. He noted that the APC was opening its doors beyond old divisions.

He said, “Today is one of my happiest days. We are looking beyond old social and political cleavages. This young man has seen the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and decided to align with them.”

Salihu assured Abba of equal rights and full participation within the APC. He said the party was driven by ideas and governance plans, not personal interests.

In his remarks, Senator Barau praised Abba’s decision. He described it as courageous and thoughtful.

Barau said Abba’s move was not influenced by family ties. He stressed that the decision was based on belief in Tinubu’s leadership.

He said, “You have made a decision based on ideology. You didn’t come here because of your father. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Deputy Senate President revealed that Abba had been observing political developments from abroad. He said the administration’s reforms and outreach influenced his return and decision.

Barau described Abba as focused and determined. He said young people like him were needed in national politics.

A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, also spoke at the event. He assured Abba of acceptance within the party.

He said, “Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home. You and your coordinators have a future in this party.”

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kano State coordinator Hon. Mubarak Musa said the move was strategic. He confirmed that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated under Senator Barau.

He said, “We have worked around the clock for our former platform. We will double our efforts and deliver for the APC in 2027.”

Musa described Senator Barau as their political leader and a major force within the APC in the North.

The event ended with a symbolic gesture. Abba’s political structure was renamed from the Haske Atiku Organisation to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation.

The renaming signalled a complete political shift. It also marked a formal declaration of support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

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