Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said his son, Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a personal choice and should not be misconstrued as politically significant.
In a statement issued on Thursday via X, Atiku explained that it is normal in a democracy for family members to hold differing political views, stressing that he does not interfere with the conscience or political decisions of his children or other Nigerians.
“The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect,” he said.
Reaffirming his democratic credentials, the former vice president added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
Atiku, however, used the opportunity to criticise the ruling party, noting that his major concern remains the state of governance in the country. He accused the APC-led government of poor leadership and of worsening the economic and social conditions faced by Nigerians.
“What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people,” he said.
