In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, Abba Abubakar, the son of former Vice President and ADC stalwart Atiku Abubakar, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The younger Abubakar announced his decision on Thursday, January 15, 2026, pledging full support for President Bola Tinubu’s projected second-term bid in 2027.
Responding to the development via a social media statement, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s choice as “entirely personal” and a testament to his own democratic values. The former Vice President emphasized that in a healthy democracy, family members are free to hold diverging political views without coercion. “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku remarked, signaling a hands-off approach to his son’s new political path while maintaining his role as a leading opposition figure.
Despite the personal nature of the news, Atiku used the opportunity to reinforce his criticism of the ruling party’s performance. He stated that his primary concern remains the “severe economic and social hardships” he believes the APC government has imposed on the Nigerian people. He vowed to continue working with other “like-minded patriots” to offer a credible alternative to the current leadership, suggesting that his son’s departure would not weaken his resolve to challenge the APC in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
