‘I Do Not Coerce My Children’, Atiku Reacts As Son Defects To APC

Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,
has stated that he does not interfere in the political choices of his children, describing the decision of his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a personal one based on conviction.

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday night, Atiku said his son’s decision to join the APC was entirely a matter of individual conscience, stressing that democratic values allow such choices, even within the same family.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he said.

He added, “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.”

Atiku, however, used the opportunity to restate his criticism of the APC-led government, saying his major concern remains what he described as poor governance and the worsening economic and social conditions facing Nigerians.

“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with political allies to provide Nigerians with an alternative, promising continued engagement toward what he described as good governance, relief, and national progress.

“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress,” the statement concluded.

Atiku’s reaction followed the formal defection of his son, Abba, to the APC earlier on Thursday at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other party leaders.

Announcing his defection, Abba said he had resigned from the PDP and decided to align fully with the APC, pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

He attributed his decision to what he described as the leadership qualities of Senator Barau Jibrin and the policies of the Tinubu administration.