Atiku’s Son Defects to APC as Lagos Chapter Hails ‘Generational Shift’

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has described the defection of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President and perennial presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, as a “generational statement” that carries profound political weight. In a move that has sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape, the younger Abubakar officially abandoned the African Democratic Congress to join the ruling party. This transition is being framed by APC leadership not merely as a routine defection, but as a symbolic rejection of the political style and ideological inconsistencies often associated with his father’s storied career.

In an official statement released by the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party asserted that this development speaks louder than any formal political rebuttal or traditional press conference could ever manage. The ruling party argued that the choice made by the former Vice President’s son underscores critical questions regarding trust, conviction, and the future of leadership in Nigeria. By choosing the APC, Abubakar is seen as moving away from the “political tourism” that critics have frequently used to characterize his father’s numerous transitions between various political platforms over the last two decades.

The Lagos APC was pointed in its critique of the elder Atiku’s history, referencing his frequent shifts from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Action Congress, back to the PDP, and most recently his alignment with the ADC. The party suggested that these constant switches have fostered a deep sense of public skepticism regarding his ideological consistency and long-term political direction. In contrast, the APC presented the younger Abubakar’s decision as a move toward a more stable and policy-driven political environment, suggesting that the youth are increasingly seeking institutional consistency over individual ambition.

The defection is being strategically framed by the ruling party as a resounding endorsement of its current governance record and the “Renewed Hope” agenda spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to the party’s narrative, the fact that a member of the Atiku household would find the APC’s policy direction more appealing than the alternatives reflects a growing national confidence in the current administration. This “home-front” defection is being weaponized by APC strategists to suggest that even those closest to the opposition’s leadership are finding value in the ruling party’s vision for the country.

Welcoming the younger Abubakar into their fold, the Lagos APC urged the Nigerian electorate to view this development as a clear sign of changing political tides. The party declared that the era of “ambition without ideology” is steadily fading away, being replaced by a new generation of politicians who prioritize governance and long-term planning. By successfully poaching a name so closely linked to the opposition, the APC is looking to project an image of a party that is not only inclusive but also intellectually superior in its ability to attract diverse political interests.

The party’s statement went further to touch upon the concept of leadership credibility, arguing that for any leader to be taken seriously on a national level, they must first inspire confidence within their own immediate circle. The APC insists that the Nigerian public is becoming increasingly discerning, applying tests of home-grown support and internal loyalty to those who seek the highest office in the land. The implication of this argument is clear: if a leader’s own offspring seeks a different political path, it raises legitimate questions about the foundational strength of that leader’s political message.

Beyond the immediate political friction, the defection highlights a growing trend of young, high-profile Nigerians making independent political choices that diverge from their family legacies. The APC appears eager to capitalize on this trend, positioning itself as a modern home for young Nigerians who are disillusioned with traditional opposition structures. The party believes that attracting names like Abubakar Atiku Abubakar will help it shed the “incumbent” tag and instead appear as a vibrant, evolving platform that is attractive to the next generation of voters.

The African Democratic Congress, from which the younger Abubakar defected, has yet to issue a formal response to the development, but the blow to the opposition’s optics is undeniable. For the elder Atiku, who has faced criticism for his “nomadic” political history, this internal family shift provides fresh ammunition for his detractors. The APC’s aggressive messaging ensures that this move is viewed not as a private family matter, but as a public verdict on the viability of the opposition’s alternative to the Tinubu administration.

As the political atmosphere continues to evolve ahead of future electoral cycles, this “generational statement” is likely to be referenced frequently as evidence of the APC’s expanding reach. The party concluded its welcome by reinforcing the idea that leadership must be rooted in something deeper than the quest for power. By bringing the son of a major rival into the “Renewed Hope” fold, the Lagos APC believes it has achieved a significant psychological victory, one that suggests the future of Nigerian politics is moving away from the old guard and toward the consolidated power of the ruling party.