The son of a former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, has defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Abba, a prominent youth political organiser and son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and other APC leaders from the North-East.
The move is being interpreted within political circles as part of the APC’s broader strategy to strengthen its influence among young political actors and consolidate its foothold in the North-East geopolitical zone.
Speaking at the event, Abba said his decision to join the APC was driven by conviction rather than sentiment, citing the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policy direction of the Tinubu administration as key factors.
“I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party and my decision to join the APC,” he said, adding that he would actively work with the party to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of 2027.
He further directed members of his political platform, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, which he founded in 2022, to immediately defect to the APC and mobilise grassroots support for the ruling party.
Welcoming him, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as a reflection of the party’s growing appeal beyond traditional political boundaries.
“This decision shows that politics is evolving beyond old divisions,” Salihu said, noting that Abba’s choice was influenced by the policies and programmes of the Tinubu-led government. He assured the new entrant of equal opportunities and full integration within the party.
Senator Barau, in his remarks, praised Abba for what he called a principled and ideology-driven decision, stressing that the move was independent of family considerations.
“He came because he believes in the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Barau said, revealing that Abba had closely followed the administration’s reforms while abroad before deciding to return to Nigeria and align with the APC.
Describing him as a focused and determined young leader, Barau said the party was eager to support his political aspirations.
Also speaking, presidential aide Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill, assuring Abba and his supporters of acceptance within the party.
“This is a homecoming. You and your coordinators have a future in the APC,” Abdullahi said.
On behalf of the defecting group, Kano State Coordinator Mubarak Musa said the defection was a strategic decision, pledging that the group would channel its political activities through Senator Barau and intensify mobilisation efforts for the APC ahead of 2027.
The event culminated in the renaming of Abba’s political structure from Haske Atiku Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, a move symbolising full alignment with the ruling party and an unambiguous endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.