Mallam Abba Abubakar, a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.
Abba formally joined the APC on Monday after obtaining his membership card during the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. He later proceeded to the APC state secretariat on Scope Road, Yola, where he was received by the party’s state chairman and members of the State Executive Council.
Explaining his decision, Abba said he was persuaded by the performance of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as the right leader for Nigeria at this time and in the foreseeable future. He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and pledged to support the president’s return for a second term in 2027.
The defection comes six months after Atiku Abubakar exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move widely seen as part of preparations for another presidential bid. Abba’s switch to the APC places him on a different political path from his father, as Atiku works to consolidate influence within the ADC ahead of 2027.
Reacting to the development, APC Chairman in Adamawa State, Idris Shuaibu, welcomed Abba into the party, saying the leadership appreciates his conviction that the Tinubu administration is delivering. Shuaibu added that the APC is pleased to benefit from Abba’s political experience and commitment.
The move is expected to stir conversations within Adamawa’s political landscape, as parties position themselves for what is shaping up to be a keenly contested election cycle.
