Atiku Regrets Role in APC Formation, Removing Jonathan
… Says Nigeria Worse Off Than in 2014
Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep regret over his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, declaring that the country’s democratic and socio-economic conditions have deteriorated beyond the challenges that prompted the coalition over a decade ago.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku reflected on the political realignments that culminated in the defeat of the then ruling party in 2015. He recalled that opposition leaders, driven by concerns over insecurity and economic instability, set aside their differences to form a united front aimed at safeguarding democracy.
“We did this exercise in 2014, not so? We came together and formed APC because we felt democracy was faltering, only for us to end up at the same position we found ourselves in 2014 — worse,” he said.
The former presidential candidate noted that the coalition was conceived as a corrective platform to address what opposition figures at the time described as governance failures under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to Atiku, insecurity and a struggling economy were the dominant concerns that fuelled the merger talks among opposition blocs. However, he contended that the present realities have outstripped those earlier anxieties.
“In 2014, the major challenges were insecurity, the economy and so on. Now it is even worse than what we fought against,” he stated.
Though he did not provide specific metrics, Atiku insisted that the prevailing political and economic climate demands sober reflection and renewed commitment from opposition stakeholders.
The press conference, which drew prominent leaders from various opposition parties, comes amid renewed efforts to forge a broader political coalition ahead of future electoral contests. While details of any formal alliance remain sketchy, Atiku stressed that lessons from the past must guide any new partnership.
“We must have that in mind. We must succeed to make sure that we restore true democracy to our country,” he added.
Observers note that Atiku’s remarks signal a critical reassessment of the 2014 merger that brought together disparate political interests under the APC banner — a coalition widely regarded as a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
His comments also underscore the deepening fault lines within the political establishment, as opposition figures recalibrate strategies in response to mounting public concern over governance, economic hardship and security challenges.
As consultations continue among opposition leaders, the call for what Atiku described as the restoration of “true democracy” is likely to shape political discourse in the months ahead.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
