Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has defected from the opposition People’s Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressive Congress , pledging to work for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
The defection was announced Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where Abubakar was formally received by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin alongside APC leaders from the North-East region.
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Abubakar said he had resigned from the PDP and aligned with the APC, describing the move as historic and personal. Popularly known as “Abba,” he directed members of his political structure, the Haske Atiku Organisation founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and mobilize support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC,” he said. “With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualize the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.”
Welcoming him, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East) Mustapha Salihu described the defection as symbolic and far-reaching, saying it reflected a new phase of “politics without borders.”
He said the APC was driven by ideology and policy direction rather than personal ambition and assured Abubakar of full rights and equal opportunities within the party.
Deputy Senate President Barack Jibrin on Thursday congratulated Abba Abubakar on his defection to the ruling party, describing the move as a “bold, wise and principled decision,” and assured him of full backing from the party leadership.
Barau said Abubakar’s decision was driven by ideology rather than family ties, stressing his support for President Bola Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“You have made a decision based on ideology. You didn’t come here because of your father,” Barau said. “You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He disclosed that Abubakar, who had been closely monitoring political developments from the United States, was impressed by the Tinubu administration’s reforms and outreach, prompting his return to Nigeria and decision to join the All Progressives Congress.
“He is young, focused and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country. This is the kind of youth Nigeria needs,” Barau added.
Also speaking at the event, a presidential aide, Mahmoud Abdullahi assured Abubakar of President Tinubu’s acceptance and support within the party.
“Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home,” Abdullahi said. “You and your coordinators have a future in this party.”
Speaking on behalf of the defecting group, Kano State coordinator Hon. Mubarak Musa said the move was strategic, adding that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated through Barau.
