Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly responded to his son’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), framing it as a matter of individual freedom while sharply criticizing the party’s governance.
Abba Abubakar’s move to the APC prompted a statement from his father, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) former presidential candidate. Atiku described the decision as “entirely personal,” noting that in a democracy, such choices within a family are “neither unusual nor alarming.”
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku stated.
However, he swiftly pivoted to a political attack, stating his primary concern is “the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
The former vice president reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the ruling party, vowing to work with “like-minded patriots” to provide a credible alternative focused on relief and progress for Nigerians.