The All Progressives Congress has applauded former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as a measured and democratic response to his son Abba’s decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling party.
The APC, reacting to the defection debate that has dominated political circles in recent days, dismissed claims that the younger Atikus move poses any risk to the partys stability or cohesion.
Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, stated this in an interview with The PUNCH, insisting that the party was too grounded in structure and discipline to be unsettled by the entry of any individual.
Duru commended Atiku for publicly acknowledging his sons political choice without interference, saying the former Vice Presidents restraint reflects respect for democratic ideals.
“Family matters are what they are, and His Excellency has spoken clearly,” he said. “He does not dictate to his children or Nigerians.
We must take him by his word and appreciate the maturity he has shown, even though some may interpret the development as contrary to his political interest.”
He added that the party valued Abba Atikus decision, saying the APC respected all Nigerians who align with its vision.
On claims that Abba may be entering the party to play the role of a mole, Duru dismissed such insinuations as unnecessary political mischief. “APC is driven by institutions, not personalities,” he said.
“One person cannot upturn a structure built on discipline, hierarchy, and a collective mission to provide national leadership.
The APC is a broad platform, and it welcomes all who believe in its direction.”
His comments followed Atiku Abubakars public clarification, in which the PDPs 2023 presidential candidate reiterated that the choice was his sons alone.
Atiku, posting Thursday on X, stressed that democracy allows free expression even within the family. “I do not coerce my children, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” he wrote, though he maintained his critique of the APC led government.
The former Vice President said his concern remained what he described as the administrations policy failures and their impact on citizens, promising to keep working with allies to build a political platform that would offer Nigerians an alternative.
Abba Atiku formally declared for the ruling party at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other senior APC figures.
He pledged loyalty to the Tinubu administration and vowed to mobilise his Haske Atiku Organisation formed in 2022 in support of the Presidents reelection bid in 2027.