Atiku’s Son Defects to APC,Backs Tinubu’s Re-election

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a bold family pivot amid rising political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. The move, confirmed during a high-profile reception in Abuja on Thursday evening, underscores growing cross-party support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term. ​

Reception by APC Leaders

Abba received a warm welcome from key APC figures, including Senate Deputy President Barau Jibrin and National Vice Chairman (North East) Mustafa Salihu. The event highlights the party’s strategy to consolidate northern support through high-profile conversions. Observers note this as a strategic gain for Tinubu’s camp, especially following Atiku Abubakar’s own shift to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) late last year. 

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Rebranding of Political Group

Abba, founder of the Atiku Haske Organisation launched in 2022, announced its rebranding to the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation. This rechristening repositions the group explicitly to mobilize grassroots backing for Tinubu’s re-election. The development reflects deepening intra-family political divergences, with Abba’s choice contrasting his father’s opposition alignment. ​

Broader Political Context

This defection occurs against a backdrop of fluid Nigerian politics, where opposition coalitions like the ADC—embracing figures such as Peter Obi and Nasir el-Rufai—challenge APC dominance. Abba’s move bolsters Tinubu’s narrative of unity and inclusivity, potentially swaying PDP defectors in Adamawa and the Northeast. As 2027 approaches, such shifts could reshape voter loyalties in key battlegrounds. ​