Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and other APC leaders from the North-East region.
Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, stated that his decision to join the APC was a personal and historic one. He expressed his intention to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, urging members of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation, to follow him to the APC and back Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The move has been welcomed by APC leaders, with the National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, describing the defection as symbolic. Senator Barau praised Abubakar’s decision, stating that it was based on ideology and a belief in President Tinubu’s vision, rather than family ties.
Abubakar’s defection is seen as a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the North-East region. The APC has been working to strengthen its presence in the region, and Abubakar’s move is expected to boost the party’s chances in future elections.
As a prominent figure in the PDP, Abubakar’s departure is likely to have implications for the party’s structure and support base. The PDP has been a major opposition party in Nigeria, and the loss of a high-profile member like Abubakar may affect its ability to challenge the APC in upcoming elections.
With the 2027 presidential election still several years away, Abubakar’s defection is an early indication of the shifting political alliances and strategies that are likely to emerge in the lead-up to the poll. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Abubakar’s decision to back President Tinubu’s re-election bid is expected to have significant consequences for the APC and the PDP.
