Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep regret over his involvement in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, stating that Nigeria’s condition has worsened under the current political order.
He made this statement on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference that brought together leaders of different opposition parties. The meeting formed part of a broader dialogue among opposition stakeholders focused on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, governance, and national stability.
Looking back at the political climate of 2014, Atiku explained that opposition figures at the time felt compelled to unite because they believed the country was heading in a dangerous direction. He said the alliance that produced the APC was driven by a shared perception that democracy was under threat and that urgent collective action was necessary to rescue the system.
According to Atiku, the motivation for that coalition was rooted in widespread concerns about insecurity, economic challenges, and governance issues under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Those problems, he said, created a sense of urgency that pushed rival political forces to put aside their differences in order to form a united front.
However, he noted that more than a decade later, Nigeria’s condition has not improved as expected. Instead, he argued that the country now faces deeper and more complex problems than those that originally inspired the 2014 alliance.
“In 2014, insecurity and the economy were the major issues that pushed us together. Today, the situation is even worse than what we claimed we were fighting against,” he said.
Atiku suggested that this reality shows that the political strategy adopted in 2014 failed to produce lasting solutions. He described the outcome as a painful lesson, not just for himself but for the entire opposition movement, stressing that political alliances formed without strong principles and long-term vision can easily collapse into disappointment.
He warned that future coalitions must not be driven solely by the desire to win elections or remove a government from power, but must be grounded in clear democratic values, strong institutions, and a genuine commitment to national development.
According to him, any new opposition alliance must learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating cycles of political experimentation that leave citizens worse off. He emphasised that restoring democracy requires more than political regrouping—it demands integrity, accountability, and a clear ideological direction.
Atiku further urged opposition leaders to remain focused on the bigger picture of national renewal rather than short-term political victories. He called for discipline, unity of purpose, and consistency in the pursuit of democratic reforms.
“We must remain determined. Our responsibility is to ensure that real democracy is restored and protected in this country,” he said.
The press conference, themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” attracted several prominent opposition figures and political actors who gathered to discuss the future of governance and democratic institutions in Nigeria. Participants expressed growing concern over the weakening of democratic structures and the need for a stronger, more credible opposition voice.
Atiku’s comments set a reflective and critical tone for the meeting, pushing opposition leaders to engage in self-examination and strategic rethinking. His remarks highlighted a growing consensus that Nigeria’s democratic recovery will only be possible through principled leadership, credible political alternatives, and a renewed commitment to the values that sustain true democracy.
