Nigeria’s political landscape shifted on Thursday as Abubakar Abba, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The move, announced at the National Assembly in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through opposition ranks and is being widely interpreted as both symbolic and strategic in the unfolding battle for political dominance.
Within political circles, the defection is already being seen as a significant blow to Atiku Abubakar’s future presidential ambitions, while simultaneously strengthening the APC’s consolidation drive, especially in the North-East, a region considered critical to any successful national electoral strategy. Analysts say the development could influence grassroots loyalties and reshape internal party calculations ahead of the next election cycle.
Popularly known as “Abba,” the younger Atiku was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside other top APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone. Party officials described the moment as a major realignment, signalling growing confidence in the ruling party’s political direction and Tinubu’s leadership.
Addressing party leaders and supporters, Abba announced his resignation from the PDP and pledged total commitment to the APC’s agenda, describing his decision as both historic and deeply personal. He vowed to actively mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched political realignments ahead of 2027.