Atiku's Son Switches Allegiance to APC, Endorses Tinubu's 2027 Bid
In a significant political development, Abba Atiku, the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared that President Bola Tinubu is unbeatable in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This move marks a notable shift in Nigeria's political landscape, as the younger Atiku publicly aligns with his father's longtime rival.
Public Declaration in Adamawa State
Abba Atiku made his declaration while speaking in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, on Monday, January 26, 2026. He had visited Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area to collect his APC membership form, solidifying his transition from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). During his address, he emphasized that no political party possesses the capability to prevent President Tinubu from securing a second term in office.
"I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027," Abba stated confidently. "Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he doesn’t make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit."
Background of the Political Shift
This development follows Abba Atiku's recent resignation from the PDP and his subsequent joining of the APC on Thursday, January 15, 2026. He was officially received into the party by prominent APC figures, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Mustafa Salihu, during a ceremony held in Abuja.
Furthermore, Abba has rebranded his political organization, originally established as the Atiku Heske Organisation in 2022, to the Heske Bola Tinubu Organisation. This renaming underscores his commitment to mobilizing support for President Tinubu's re-election campaign, signaling a strategic realignment of his political activities.
Nigerian Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked diverse reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing their opinions on social media and other platforms. Some comparisons have been drawn to other political families, highlighting differing approaches to loyalty and support.
- Nnachi contrasted Abba's actions with those of Rabiu Kwankwaso's son, noting: "Kwankwaso has taught Atiku how family loyalty is to be done in politics. Kwankwaso’s son is fighting alongside his father; he refused to decamp to the APC with Governor Yusuf. Atiku’s son doesn’t believe in his own father, yet Atiku expect Nigerian people to believe in him? Hell No!"
- Olajide Balogun commented on the potential impact: "This young man keeps piling pressure on his dad with bad optics- The obidients will be in the forefront of milking this to undermine the former VP."
- SinoSpeak1 speculated on a hypothetical scenario: "Replace this with Peter Obi's son, most Atiku supporters will milk it and use it to insult him all day but we all know what we are doing."
- Abdulrahman Gubuchi offered a broader perspective: "Na mumu go be die-hard fan for any politician. Almighty God will defeat him for us."
Broader Political Context
Abba Atiku's move occurs amidst ongoing leadership struggles within the PDP, involving figures such as Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde. This defection adds to the party's challenges, following recent exits like that of former senator and diplomat Abdallah Wali, who resigned from the PDP in a letter addressed to the party chairman in Sokoto State.
As the 2027 elections approach, such political realignments are likely to influence campaign strategies and voter perceptions. Abba Atiku's endorsement of President Tinubu, based on claims of merit-based governance and economic reforms, highlights the evolving dynamics within Nigeria's political arena, where familial and party loyalties are continually tested and redefined.
