Atilu
By Olayiwola Mercy
Atiku Abubakar’s son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Abba, as he’s popularly known, announced his decision at the National Assembly, stating that he’s joining the APC due to the outstanding leadership style of Senator Barau Jibrin and his belief in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda .
Abba’s defection has been welcomed by APC leaders, who describe it as a strategic gain for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, congratulated Abba on his decision, stating that it’s driven by ideology and confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. The APC National Vice Chairman (North-east), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, also praised Abba’s decision, saying it’s a sign of political maturity .
Atiku Abubakar, Abba’s father, has reacted to the defection, stating that it’s a personal choice and doesn’t reflect his own political ambitions. He emphasized that he’s committed to working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
Abba has directed all coordinators and members of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to join the APC and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid. The organisation has been renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a complete realignment of its structure and mission.
The defection has sparked speculation about its implications for Atiku Abubakar’s political future, particularly given his recent decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections. APC leaders have dismissed the opposition’s chances of unseating Tinubu, citing the party’s strong performance in recent elections.
The development has also drawn attention to the ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, with several prominent politicians defecting to the APC. The party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has affirmed the party’s commitment to securing future elections, particularly the 2027 race .
