APC Stands Strong: Atiku’s Son Defection Won’t Shake Party

According to Ireporter Online, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns that the defection of Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, could destabilise the ruling party, describing such fears as unfounded. The party also praised Atiku Abubakar for his measured and democratic response to his son’s political decision, emphasizing that the APC remains too structured and disciplined to be disrupted by any individual.

The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, made the remarks while responding to speculation surrounding Abba Atiku’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. He said the party respected the former Vice President’s public stance, noting that Atiku had distanced himself from his son’s choice and refrained from imposing his views.

“It’s very difficult to discuss father and son relationships. What happens in the family stays in the family,” Duru said. “We commend Atiku for his mature response to what many may consider politically adversarial, and we hope Nigerians respect his views as well as those of his son, who has chosen to join the APC.”

Addressing suggestions that Abba Atiku might act as a mole within the party, Duru dismissed such fears, asserting that the APC’s internal discipline and organisational structure remain strong. “It is impossible for one person to disrupt the organisation and discipline for which the APC is known. The party is anchored on pillars such as hierarchy, discipline, and leadership, which guide its role in shaping a prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Atiku Abubakar publicly distanced himself from his son’s defection, describing it as a personal decision. In a post on his verified X account, he wrote, “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. As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Despite his son’s move, Atiku reiterated his criticism of the APC-led Federal Government, citing governance and economic challenges. “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, adding that he remains committed to working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and provide Nigerians with credible alternatives.

Abba Atiku formally announced his defection on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and other APC leaders from the North-East.