In a recent reaction to the news of his son’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the move as a personal choice. This clarification comes following reports that his son, Abba Abubakar, officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to throw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Addressing the situation, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate explained that such political shifts are part and parcel of a functioning democracy. Atiku maintained that family ties do not dictate political beliefs, and he believes in allowing individuals to follow their own paths.
Atiku emphasized his stance as a lifelong democrat, noting that he does not believe in forcing his children to align with his own political views. He remarked that if he cannot coerce his own family on matters of conscience, he certainly would not seek to coerce the Nigerian people. For him, the freedom to choose is a fundamental right that must be respected regardless of family connections.
Despite his son’s new political alignment, the former Vice President did not hold back his criticism of the current administration. He expressed deep worry over the direction of the country, pointing to the economic and social struggles many Nigerians are currently facing under the APC-led government. He described the current state of governance as a burden on the populace that requires urgent attention.
Looking ahead, Atiku reaffirmed that his focus remains on building a credible alternative for the country. He noted that he is still committed to working with others who share his vision for better governance, hoping to bring a sense of relief and progress to a nation he believes is in dire need of a change in direction.
