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Atiku Regrets APC Involvement, Cites Unfulfilled Promises

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, March 28th 2026 at 10:57 GMT by legit
      Locale: NIGERIA

Abuja, Nigeria - March 28th, 2026 - Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revisited his controversial 2014 defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), offering a candid assessment of the circumstances that led to his departure and raising continued concerns about the nation's ongoing struggles with corruption and insecurity. In a series of statements released today, Atiku explicitly linked his decision to leave the APC to fundamental disagreements over the party's proposed strategies for tackling these pervasive issues, issues that, he argues, continue to plague Nigeria to this day.

Speaking through a spokesperson, Atiku revealed a deep sense of regret over his initial involvement in the APC's formation, a move initially intended to offer a viable alternative to the then-dominant People's Democratic Party (PDP). "I regret that I participated in the formation of the APC," he stated, "but I did so for the sake of our nation, hoping that we would be able to do things differently." This admission, years after the fact, underscores the significant disappointment he felt with the party's trajectory.

Atiku's 2014 exit was widely reported at the time, sparking intense political speculation. He subsequently rejoined the PDP, contesting the presidency on multiple occasions. However, he has consistently maintained a principled stance on issues of governance, often offering critiques of the ruling party's performance - critiques that appear even more pointed in retrospect.

The core of Atiku's dissatisfaction, as highlighted in his recent statements, centers on the APC's perceived failure to meaningfully address the twin challenges of corruption and insecurity. While the APC came to power promising to eradicate corruption and restore security, critics - and now, explicitly, Atiku Abubakar - argue that these promises have largely gone unfulfilled. Nigeria continues to battle widespread corruption at all levels of government, hindering economic development and eroding public trust. Simultaneously, the country faces ongoing security threats from multiple fronts, including Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and farmer-herder conflicts in the central regions.

"The initial hope was that a new coalition would usher in a new era of accountability and effective governance," a close associate of Atiku explained, speaking on condition of anonymity. "However, the former Vice President quickly became disillusioned with what he perceived as a lack of genuine commitment to these principles within the APC's leadership."

Analysts suggest Atiku's latest comments are not merely a historical recounting of events but a deliberate attempt to frame the narrative as the country prepares for future elections. With Nigeria's political landscape remaining volatile, Atiku, despite his previous electoral defeats, remains a significant political figure. His statements serve as a subtle signal of his continuing relevance and his potential to offer alternative leadership based on a strong emphasis on anti-corruption measures and robust security strategies.

The situation on the ground paints a grim picture. Recent reports from Transparency International continue to rank Nigeria low on the Corruption Perception Index. The country's economic indicators, despite some improvements in certain sectors, remain fragile, and a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. Insecurity continues to displace communities and disrupt economic activity, particularly in agricultural regions.

Furthermore, the rise of non-state armed groups poses an increasingly complex challenge. These groups often operate with impunity, exploiting weak governance and porous borders. The government's response, critics argue, has been largely reactive rather than proactive, lacking a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the conflicts.

Atiku's unwavering commitment to democratic principles, as repeatedly emphasized in his public statements, forms the foundation of his criticism. He believes that a strong and independent judiciary, a free press, and a vibrant civil society are essential for holding the government accountable and ensuring good governance.

His call for a "better Nigeria" is a sentiment shared by many, but the path to achieving this vision remains unclear. Whether Atiku will once again seek the presidency remains to be seen, but his voice - a voice shaped by years of experience in government and a consistent advocacy for good governance - will undoubtedly continue to be a significant factor in Nigeria's political discourse.