‘We Don’t Want a Mole’ – APC Leaders Urge Caution Over Abba Atiku’s Defection

‘We Don’t Want a Mole’ – APC Leaders Urge Caution Over Abba Atiku’s Defection

Following the high-profile defection of Abubakar “Abba” Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from the PDP to the APC, party leaders have urged caution, warning against potential internal sabotage amid celebrations.

Prominent APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe reacted to the development on social media, stating: “I hear that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s son has joined APC. I hope it is real oooo. We do not want a mole in the house oooo. Ka fi suru oooooo.” His comments reflect concerns within the party that while Abba’s defection is politically significant, internal vigilance remains crucial.

Abba officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, during a ceremony at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where he was received by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and senior APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone. During the event, he pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and directed his political network to align with the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The defection comes against the backdrop of Atiku Abubakar’s own political realignment, after he left the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku described his son’s move as “entirely personal,” reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and emphasizing that individual political decisions should not be seen as unusual in a democracy.

Reactions within the APC have been mixed. National Vice Chairman (North-East) Mustapha Salihu welcomed the defection as symbolic of “politics without borders,” while Senator Barau Jibrin described it as bold and conviction-driven. Meanwhile, the Lagos State APC chapter criticised the move, suggesting it undermines Atiku Abubakar’s credibility and weakens the ADC platform.

Former APC presidential aspirant Adamu Garba advised against over-celebration, describing Abba’s defection as politically sensitive rather than an outright victory, highlighting the need for internal cohesion and careful handling.

Abba Atiku’s defection has reignited conversations about party loyalty, political strategy, and shifting alliances ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, while the APC continues to manage both the symbolic gain and the risk of internal disruption.

‘We Don’t Want a Mole’ – APC Leaders Urge Caution Over Abba Atiku’s Defection