Atiku’s son joins APC, declares Tinubu’s 2027 re-election inevitable

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is unstoppable.

Abba picked up his APC membership card on Monday at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, weeks after announcing his defection from his former party on January 15. During the registration, he openly pledged his support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Speaking after receiving his membership card, Abba said his decision was based on what he described as significant economic reforms and human capital development under the Tinubu administration.

“I want to state clearly that no individual or political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock in 2027,” he said.

According to him, the President’s leadership style, merit-based appointments and national outlook had convinced many Nigerians of his capacity to lead the country beyond party, religious or regional considerations.

“Nigerians have seen the results. He is not a tribalist, and his decisions are based on merit. The President deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians to continue the good work,” Abba added.

Presenting the membership card, the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, said Abba’s defection further strengthened the ruling party ahead of the next general election.

“With this development, it is obvious that there is no political party or candidate that can successfully challenge President Tinubu in 2027,” Bagalti said.

A prominent APC leader in the state, Alhaji Jamilu Yusuf, also described Tinubu as unrivalled, dismissing other potential contenders as unrealistic aspirants.

“Some people see politics like a trade fair, but the presidency is no longer for the highest bidder. It is for capable leaders like President Tinubu,” Yusuf said.

Abba’s move has drawn attention in Adamawa’s political space, given that his father, Atiku Abubakar, remains a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress. None of Atiku’s sons is currently a member of that party.

Another son of the former vice president, Adamu Atiku, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and serves as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development under Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Abba had earlier announced his defection at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other APC leaders from the North-East. He said his decision was influenced by Senator Barau’s leadership and pledged to work closely with him to secure Tinubu’s second term.

Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar said his son’s decision was personal and consistent with democratic principles.

“My son’s choice to join the APC is entirely his personal decision,” Atiku said. “In a democracy, such choices are normal, even when politics and family intersect.

“I do not impose my political views on my children, just as I would not impose them on Nigerians.”