Introduction to the Defection
Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defected from PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The Defection Announcement
Known as “Abba,” the younger Atiku was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone, in what party leaders described as a significant political realignment. Addressing party leaders and supporters, Abubakar announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his alignment with the APC, describing the move as historic and deeply personal.
Reasons for the Defection
He also directed all coordinators and members of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, which he founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and mobilise support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 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. 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.
Commitment to the APC
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.” Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as both symbolic and far-reaching, saying it reflected a new phase of “politics without borders.”
Reaction from the APC
Salihu 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.” He stressed that the APC was driven by ideology and policy direction rather than personal ambition, assuring Abba of full rights and equal opportunities within the party.
Conclusion
The defection of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar to the APC is a significant development in Nigerian politics, indicating a shift in alliances and a potential reconfiguration of the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. As the APC and PDP continue to maneuver for position, the decision of Abba to join the ruling party and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid underscores the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar?
A: Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, also known as Abba, is the son of former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. - Q: Why did Abubakar Atiku Abubakar defect from the PDP to the APC?
A: He defected to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, citing the outstanding leadership style of Senator Barau Jibrin and the policies of the Tinubu administration. - Q: What is the significance of Abba’s defection?
A: The defection is seen as a significant political realignment, reflecting a new phase of “politics without borders” and indicating a potential shift in alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. - Q: How has the APC responded to Abba’s defection?
A: The APC has welcomed Abba, describing the defection as symbolic and far-reaching, and assuring him of full rights and equal opportunities within the party.
