Atiku’s son, Abba breaks silence on supporting Tinubu over father

By Jude Opara

Hon. Abba Atiku Abubakar, Founder and Chairman of the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation (HBTO), has defended his decision to align with President Bola Tinubu over the presidential ambition of his father, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking to journalists on Friday during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, Abba stated that his stance was driven by personal conviction and a strong belief in the current administration’s economic roadmap.

Addressing the public reaction to his choice, Abba emphasized the fundamental right to independent political thought.

“I recognise that political decisions, particularly those that differ from the positions of individuals with whom one shares personal or family relationships, often attract considerable public attention.

“However, political conviction is a matter of personal judgement, conscience, and individual freedom.

“My decision to establish and lead the Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation is a deliberate choice made in my personal capacity.

“Our democracy is strengthened when individuals are free to make independent choices, engage in constructive dialogue, and support the platform they believe best serves the nation,” he stated.

Abba acknowledged the current socio-economic pressures facing citizens due to ongoing administration reforms, but maintained that the policy choices would yield long-term stability and growth.

“We acknowledge that these reforms have come with difficult adjustments for Nigerians.

“However, the future gains will outweigh the present pain. Interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), expanded road infrastructure investments, and increased state revenue allocations through FAAC demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing structural challenges,” Abba noted.

To cushion local transportation challenges, Abba announced HBTO’s donation of 10 luxury buses to assist commuters. He also unveiled the launch of a ‘two-million-man mobilisation march’ spanning the country’s six geopolitical zones, starting in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, the organisation’s immediate focus includes collaborating with key political stakeholders to build support in Abuja and Rivers State ahead of the upcoming election cycle.