A prominent figure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has commented on the recent defection of Abubakar “Abba” Atiku, son of former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, from the PDP to the APC.
Abba formally joined the APC on January 15 during a ceremony held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
He was received into the party by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), in the presence of senior APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone.
During the event, Abba pledged his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and directed members of his political platform to align with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The development has sparked widespread reactions across the political landscape, especially against the backdrop of Atiku Abubakar’s own recent political realignment.
After years in the PDP, Atiku, a leading opposition figure, recently moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a step widely viewed as part of efforts to build a broader coalition to challenge the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to his son’s defection, Atiku Abubakar described the decision as “entirely personal” and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, he noted that individual political decisions, even among family members, should not be seen as unusual or troubling in a democracy.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku added.
He also reiterated his criticism of the APC-led government and restated his determination to work with allies to present Nigerians with an alternative political option.
Reactions within the APC to Abba’s defection have been mixed.
The party’s National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the move as symbolic, characterising it as an example of “politics without borders,” and welcomed Abba into the party.
Similarly, Senator Barau Jibrin praised the decision, describing it as bold and driven by conviction rather than family influence.
A presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, went further by describing the defection as a “return home” to the APC.
The Lagos State chapter of the APC, however, took a more critical tone, describing the development as a significant blow to Atiku Abubakar’s political standing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the APC observed “with unmistakable clarity the political earthquake” triggered by Abba’s decision to abandon what he described as the “pretentious ADC contraption” in favour of the APC.
“This singular act has said more than a thousand press conferences ever could,” Oladejo said.
He further argued that, “When a man’s own son deserts his political judgment, repudiates his choices, and embraces an alternative path, Nigerians are entitled to ask what deeper indictment of credibility is required.
“If those closest to you are unconvinced by your political convictions, how do you expect an entire nation to suspend disbelief”.
Meanwhile, former APC presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba, advised party members against excessive celebration, describing the development as concerning rather than commendable.
Amid the varied reactions, Joe Igbokwe also shared his perspective, combining optimism with caution.
In a post on his social media page, Igbokwe welcomed Abba’s defection but warned against possible internal sabotage within the party.
According to him, “I hear that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s son has joined APC. I hope it is real oooo. We do not want a mole in the house oooo. Ka fi suru oooooo.”
(DAILY TRUST)
Post A Comment: