Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly addressed the political defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which includes an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's anticipated second-term bid in the 2027 elections, has stirred significant discourse within Nigeria's political landscape.
A Father's Democratic Stance
In a statement released on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate described his son's action as "entirely personal." Atiku emphasised that such a decision is "neither unusual nor alarming" when family dynamics intersect with the complex world of politics. Positioning himself as a committed democrat, he firmly stated that he does not believe in coercion, whether within his family or among the citizenry.
"As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians," Atiku declared. He shifted the focus of his critique towards the performance of the APC-led administration, citing what he termed "severe economic and social hardships" imposed on the populace due to poor governance. The former vice president reiterated his commitment to collaborating with other Nigerians to restore good governance and provide a viable political alternative.
Nigerians Divided in Their Reactions
The public response to Atiku's reaction has been sharply divided, reflecting the deep political fissures in the country. Some social media commentators praised his principled, non-coercive stance as a mark of true democratic virtue. One user commended him for not forcing his children, contrasting it with politicians who allegedly pressure elected officials to switch parties.
However, a significant wave of criticism questioned the logic and implications of his position. Critics pointed out a perceived contradiction: how can one vehemently criticise the APC's record as incompetent and corrupt, yet remain unperturbed when his own son joins the same party? Other reactions framed the defection as a sign of weak leadership and poor decision-making within Atiku's own household, casting doubt on his ability to unify and lead the nation.
Broader Implications for 2027 Politics
This family-political drama unfolds against the intense backdrop of early manoeuvring for the 2027 presidential election. Abba Abubakar's defection and explicit support for President Tinubu is seen by analysts as more than a personal choice; it is a symbolic blow to Atiku's political camp and could influence perceptions of cohesion within the PDP's ranks. The event highlights the ongoing realignments and strategic calculations defining Nigeria's opposition politics ahead of the next general polls.
While Atiku has chosen to frame the incident as a testament to his democratic ideals, the court of public opinion remains split. For some, it reinforces his image as a respecter of individual choice. For others, it exposes vulnerabilities and raises questions about loyalty and political strategy within his inner circle. The incident ensures that the intersection of family loyalty and political allegiance will remain a topic of heated discussion as the race for 2027 gradually intensifies.
