Atiku Abubakar Reacts to Son’s Defection to APC as  Personal and Conscientious

Atiku says there’s no family feud in this matter.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a personal decision rooted in democratic freedom.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku stressed that political choices are matters of individual conscience and should not be misconstrued as a reflection of family pressure or ideological conflict.

“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal,” Atiku said. “In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, the former vice president noted that he does not interfere in the political decisions of his children and would never impose his will on Nigerians.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he added.

Atiku, however, expressed deep concern over what he described as the poor governance record of the APC-led administration, lamenting the worsening economic and social conditions facing Nigerians.

According to him, rising hardship, economic instability and social challenges under the ruling party remain the real issues that deserve national attention, rather than individual political affiliations.

He further reaffirmed his resolve to continue working with like-minded patriots across the country to restore good governance and reposition Nigeria on the path of growth and development.

“I remain resolute in working with others who share the same vision to offer Nigerians a credible alternative—one that brings relief, renewed hope and sustainable progress,” Atiku said.