Atiku’s Son Dumps PDP for APC, Declares Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a high-profile defection with Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving the opposition party for the ruling APC.

Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, announced his decision on Tuesday at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside APC leaders from the North-East. He also declared his intention to work toward the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking at the event, Abba confirmed his resignation from the PDP, saying his decision was based on his confidence in the leadership of Senator Barau and his assessment of the policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration.

“My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC,” he said.

APC leaders described the defection as a strategic gain for the party, citing Abba’s political structure and grassroots connections, particularly in the North-East.

Senator Barau welcomed Abba to the party, describing his move as one guided by conviction rather than personal ties. He said Abba’s support for the APC was rooted in his belief in President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Barau disclosed that Abba, who had been based in the United States, closely followed developments in Nigeria and was influenced by the administration’s ongoing reforms before deciding to return and align with the APC.

A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, also addressed the gathering, assuring Abba of the support of President Tinubu and describing his defection as a return to familiar political ground.

Speaking on behalf of Abba’s supporters, Kano State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mubarak Musa, said the defection was a collective and strategic decision. He announced that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated through Senator Barau, adding that members were committed to mobilising for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The event concluded with the renaming of Abba’s political group from the Haske Atiku Organisation to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, marking a formal shift in allegiance as preparations for the next general election begin.