Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress, declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Widely known as Abba, he was formally received into the ruling party on Thursday at the National Assembly by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside prominent APC leaders from the North-East.
Party officials hailed his defection as a significant political gain for the APC as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the event, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and his decision to align fully with the APC, describing the move as both personal and historic.
He said his decision was influenced by what he termed the strong leadership qualities of Senator Barau Jibrin and the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.
Abba pledged to work closely with the Deputy Senate President to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, directing all members of his political group to join the APC and back the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also revealed that his political structure, previously called the Haske Atiku Organisation, would now operate under the APC banner.
Reacting to the defection, APC National Vice Chairman for the North-East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, welcomed Abba into the party, describing the move as symbolic of a shifting political landscape.
Salihu assured him of equal opportunities within the party, insisting that the APC remains an ideology-driven platform.
Senator Barau Jibrin commended Abba for making what he described as a courageous and principled decision based on conviction rather than family ties.
He noted that Abba had been following developments in Nigeria from the United States before deciding to return and actively participate in politics under the APC.
A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, also expressed confidence that Abba would find a political home within the ruling party, likening his move to a return to family.
Speaking on behalf of Abba’s supporters, the Kano State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Mubarak Musa, said they would now channel their political efforts through the APC and work towards delivering victory in 2027.
The ceremony concluded with the renaming of Abba’s political association to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, marking a complete shift in its political alignment.
