Atiku’s son defects to APC, vows support for Tinubu’s second term

Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The defection was formally announced on Thursday at the National Assembly, where Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), alongside other APC leaders from the North-East.

Speaking at the event, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his full alignment with the APC, describing the move as a personal and historic decision. He also directed members and coordinators of his political platform, the Haske Atiku Organisation—founded in 2022—to immediately join the APC and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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.

He attributed his decision to the leadership of Senator Barau Jibrin and the performance of the Tinubu administration, adding that he would work closely with the Senate Deputy President to actualise President Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027.

Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching, noting that it reflected “politics without borders.” He assured Abba of equal rights and opportunities within the party.

Senator Barau congratulated Abba, describing the move as bold, wise and principled, and a boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“You took this decision based on ideology and belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau said, adding that Abba had been impressed by the administration’s reforms while following developments from the United States.

A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, assured Abba of President Tinubu’s acceptance and support, describing the defection as a return home and a step that guarantees a future within the APC.

Also speaking, Kano State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mubarak Musa, said the defection was strategic and announced that the organisation’s political activities would now be coordinated through Senator Barau.

“We will double our efforts and deliver for the APC in 2027,” Musa said.

At the event, Abba’s political platform, Haske Atiku Organisation, was officially renamed the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, marking a complete realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku is a leader in the ADC and one of the leading presidential aspirants on the platform of the coalition party.