Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the move is a purely personal one.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Atiku said political choices, even within families, should be respected in a democratic setting.
“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,” he said.
He added that he does not impose his political beliefs on his children or on Nigerians at large.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku stated.
However, the former vice president expressed deep concern over the state of governance under the ruling party, accusing it of worsening the living conditions of Nigerians.
“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.
Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to working with others to provide an alternative direction for the country.
“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress,” he added.
