Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strictly personal choice, insisting that such political decisions are normal and should not generate undue controversy in a democratic society.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and is the Waziri of Adamawa, said democracy thrives on freedom of association and conscience, noting that political affiliations are matters of individual conviction, even within the same family.
According to him, it is neither unusual nor alarming for family members to belong to different political parties, stressing that democracy accommodates diversity of opinion and political expression.
“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku stated, underscoring his long-held commitment to democratic principles and personal liberty.
While distancing himself from his son’s political choice, the former Vice President used the opportunity to restate his criticism of the APC-led federal government, which he accused of poor governance and mismanagement of the nation’s affairs.
He lamented what he described as worsening economic and social conditions in the country, citing rising hardship, insecurity and declining living standards as evidence of governance failure under the APC.
Atiku reaffirmed his resolve to continue working with like-minded patriots across the country to restore good governance, accountability and inclusive development. He added that his focus remains on building and supporting a credible political alternative capable of offering Nigerians relief from current hardships, renewing hope in governance and setting the country on the path of sustainable progress.
