In a significant political development that has sent ripples across Nigeria's political landscape, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, the son of former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has officially left the opposition to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Formal Declaration at the National Assembly
The high-profile defection was formally sealed on Thursday, January 15, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Abba was received into the APC fold by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who represents Kano North, alongside a delegation of top APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing the gathering, Abba declared his resignation from the PDP, the party his father has led as a presidential flagbearer. He stated his full alignment with the APC and its ideals, marking a decisive personal political shift.
Pledging Support for Tinubu's Second Term
Abba did not mince words about his new political direction. He directed all members and coordinators of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation founded in 2022, to immediately decamp to the APC and begin working for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
"My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC," he said at the event.
He attributed his move to the "outstanding leadership style" of Senator Barau Jibrin and the perceived performance of the Tinubu administration. "With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027," Abba affirmed.
APC Hails a 'Symbolic' and 'Principled' Move
APC leaders present welcomed the defection with open arms, describing it as a major boost for the party's consolidation ahead of the next general elections. The APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, called the move "symbolic and far-reaching," exemplifying "politics without borders."
Senator Barau Jibrin congratulated Abba on what he termed a "bold, wise and principled" decision. "You have taken a decision based on ideology. You did not come here because of your father. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda," Barau stated.
A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, assured Abba of President Tinubu's acceptance, telling him, "Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home."
In a symbolic gesture underscoring the complete transition, Abba's political organisation was officially renamed from the Haske Atiku Organisation to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation during the ceremony.
This defection represents a notable crack in the political dynasty of one of Nigeria's foremost opposition figures and is viewed as a significant morale booster for the APC as the political tempo gradually builds towards the 2027 polls.
