The defection of Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to stir reactions across Nigeria’s political scene.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abba Atiku was formally received into the APC at the National Assembly by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other northern party leaders. Announcing his switch, he said, “My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC.”

The move caught many observers by surprise, particularly as his father, Atiku Abubakar, is reportedly exploring the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

Atiku, ADC Officials Downplay Impact

Reacting to his son’s decision, Atiku described it as a personal choice that does not affect his political standing. “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect,” he said in a post on his official X handle.

Likewise, ADC Media Vanguard Director-General Comrade Aliyu Haidar dismissed concerns over the defection, saying it poses no threat to Atiku’s base. “The media has amplified this unnecessarily. Abba lacks the political influence to sway events, and his group has already announced his expulsion. There is no cause for concern among ADC supporters,” Haidar told DAILY POST.

Political analysts have echoed similar sentiments. Professor Kamiku Sani Fagge of Political Science said Abba’s defection is unlikely to impact Atiku’s popularity or voter support. “Voters generally ignore such family or minor party shifts. It is mostly politicians and the media that exaggerate these events,” he noted, adding that potential alliances within ADC, such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, present a far greater challenge.

Eyes on 2027 Elections

Attention is now on whether Abba’s move will translate into any real advantage for the APC in 2027 or remain politically inconsequential. Some observers suggest that the son’s defection could indicate doubts about Atiku’s ability to deliver as president.

For now, analysts maintain that only time will reveal whether this shift will boost the ruling party or fade without any tangible impact.