The defection of Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. Abba Atiku was formally received into the APC by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, alongside other party leaders from the North. He announced his defection, stating that his decision to join the APC was a personal choice.
This move has surprised many, given that his father, Atiku Abubakar, is believed to be exploring the possibility of securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. In response to the development, Atiku Abubakar described his son’s decision as a personal choice that would not affect his political standing or democratic principles. He emphasized that in a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.
The Director-General of ADC Media Vanguard, Comrade Aliyu Haidar, also downplayed the impact of Abba Atiku’s defection, stating that it poses no threat to Atiku Abubakar’s supporters within the ADC. Haidar argued that Abba Atiku lacks the political weight to influence events, and the development was only amplified by the media.
Political analysts have echoed similar views, with Professor Kamiku Sani Fagge, a Professor of Political Science, stating that Abba Atiku’s defection would not affect Atiku Abubakar’s popularity or acceptance among voters. According to Fagge, voters are often indifferent to such developments during elections, and Abba Atiku is not a prominent political figure whose actions could sway voter behavior.
As attention shifts to the 2027 elections, there are questions about whether Abba Atiku’s defection will have any measurable impact on the APC’s electoral fortunes. Some observers suggest that if Atiku’s son could reject the ADC and opt for the APC, then there may be a lack of confidence in Atiku’s ability to deliver as Nigerian president. However, only time will determine whether the move will translate into any tangible political advantage for the ruling party or fade without consequence. The development is being closely watched, with many awaiting the outcome of the 2027 general elections to assess the true impact of Abba Atiku’s defection.
