APC Commends Atiku Abubakar Over Son’s Defection, Rules Out Party Destabilisation

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims suggesting that the recent defection of Abba Atiku could weaken or destabilise the ruling party, while also commending former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for what it described as a calm, democratic, and non-interfering response to his son’s political move.

According to the party, the APC remains firmly organised and disciplined, making it resistant to infiltration or internal disruption by any individual, regardless of background or political lineage.

This position was made public by the APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH. His comments were in response to the growing political conversations and suspicions that followed Abba Atiku’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the APC.

Duru explained that the ruling party acknowledged and respected the public stance taken by Atiku Abubakar on the matter. He noted that the former Vice President clearly separated himself from his son’s political choice and avoided exerting pressure or influence, an approach Duru said demonstrated respect for democratic principles and individual freedom.

He emphasised that family relationships and political decisions are sensitive matters, adding that Atiku Abubakar had already addressed the issue openly. According to him, the former Vice President made it clear that he does not impose his political beliefs on his children or on Nigerians at large.

Duru stated that Atiku’s position should be accepted and respected, particularly in light of the fact that Abba Atiku chose to associate with the APC rather than join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He described Atiku’s reaction as mature, noting that many might have viewed the development as conflicting with his political interests.

The APC official further expressed hope that Nigerians would respect both Atiku Abubakar’s response and his son’s independent decision to become a member of the ruling party instead of the ADC.

Addressing concerns raised in some quarters that Abba Atiku might have entered the APC with ulterior motives, Duru dismissed such speculation. He maintained that the party’s internal systems, values, and structure are strong enough to withstand any form of manipulation or undue influence.

He stated that the APC accommodates diverse opinions and backgrounds, particularly from individuals who recognise the party’s political strength and organisational capacity. According to him, it would be impossible for a single person to disrupt the APC’s operations, given the discipline and order that define the party.

Duru explained that the APC is built on multiple foundational pillars, including discipline, hierarchy, and a shared commitment to leadership and national development. He added that the party functions both as a political organisation and as a platform for promoting a Nigeria that citizens can collectively be proud of.

These remarks followed the reaction of Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, who publicly distanced himself from his son’s defection, stating that it was a personal choice.

Atiku addressed the issue on Thursday through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, shortly after Abba Atiku formally left the PDP for the APC and declared his intention to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

In his statement, Atiku said that his son’s decision to join the APC was entirely personal, noting that in a democratic setting, such political choices are normal and should not be considered alarming, even when they occur within the same family