Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba and son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was announced on Thursday at the National Assembly, where Abba was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside top APC leaders from the North-East region.
Explaining his decision, Abba said his move was motivated by personal conviction as well as historical considerations. He announced the dissolution of his political base, the Haske Atiku Organisation—established in 2022—and directed its members and coordinators nationwide to immediately align with the APC in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I am Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, fondly called Abba. Today, I formally announce my exit from the party we worked with during the 2023 elections and my decision to join the APC,” he stated.
Abba also commended Senator Barau Jibrin’s leadership and praised the performance of the Tinubu administration, expressing his readiness to contribute to the president’s re-election efforts.
“With this step, I will work closely with Senator Barau to ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027. I have therefore instructed all coordinators of my political structure to join the APC and mobilise support for the president,” he added.
Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as significant and symbolic, noting that it underscored the evolving nature of Nigerian politics.
“This is a joyful moment for us. He has carefully observed the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and has chosen to align with its vision,” Salihu said, assuring Abba of equal treatment and opportunities within the party.
Senator Barau Jibrin congratulated Abba on what he described as a bold and principled decision, noting that the defection would strengthen the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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“This decision is rooted in ideology, not family influence. You are here because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his leadership philosophy, and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau said.
