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Bitter confession: ‘After We Removed Jonathan In 2014, Nigeria’s Situation Is Worse Under APC,’ Atiku Regrets
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Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has regretted that Nigeria’s current political and security situation has deteriorated beyond the conditions that led opposition forces to unite and remove former President Goodluck Jonathan from power in 2015.
Atiku made the remarks on Thursday evening while addressing members of the opposition, where he reflected on the political coalition that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general elections.
According to him, opposition leaders at the time set aside differences to challenge what they described as poor governance and rising insecurity under Jonathan’s administration, but the country has now fallen into a deeper crisis.
“You see, we did this exercise in 2014. We came together to form APC because the governance was faulty in 2014,” Atiku said.
“Only for us to end up in the same position we found ourselves in 2014, and it is even worse. Because the major challenges we faced were insecurity here and there. Now, it is even worse than what we fought in 2014.”
The former presidential candidate expressed concern over worsening insecurity across the country, arguing that the issues that united opposition politicians more than a decade ago have intensified rather than improved.
His comments come amid growing criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups over escalating violence, banditry, kidnappings, and economic hardship affecting many parts of Nigeria.
The APC emerged following the merger of several opposition parties and went on to defeat the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 presidential election, marking it the first time an incumbent president lost re-election in Nigeria’s history.
Atiku, who was a central figure in the coalition politics that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape at the time, suggested that the expectations of Nigerians who supported the change movement have largely remained unmet.
The incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, in November 2025 also described insecurity as the most pressing challenge confronting Nigeria, particularly in the northern region
He warned that the nation cannot achieve meaningful progress unless peace is restored.
Speaking on Saturday in Kaduna at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the launch of its Endowment Fund, Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said rebuilding trust and safeguarding vulnerable communities must be treated as urgent national priorities.
“Nothing troubles me more gravely than the security crisis bedevilling Nigeria, especially Northern Nigeria,” the president said as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria.
“We cannot prosper when one limb of the national body is paralysed.”
Tinubu noted that his administration inherited complex security challenges but is confronting them “with urgency and determination,” adding that efforts are underway to eliminate terrorist and bandit groups operating across the North.
Beyond security, the president expressed confidence in the region’s economic future.
He pointed to ongoing oil exploration activities in Kolmani and other northern fields and highlighted major infrastructure projects, such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, that are being accelerated for completion.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; the Permanent Secretary, Finance, Mr. Raymond Omachi; the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma; and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance have received with deep sadness news of the passing of former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaj.
Describing his death as a great loss to the nation, Mr. Oyedele said the late elder statesman devoted his life to public service, distinguishing his career with integrity, discipline, and sound judgement, and leaving a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s economic management and national development.
Beyond his stewardship of the nation’s finances, Mr. Oyedele noted, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji also served Nigeria with distinction as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and was held in high esteem in traditional leadership as the Sardaunan Sokoto, a record of service and leadership that earned him respect across the country.
Mr. Oyedele said his legacy extends well beyond the offices he held, describing him as a thoughtful leader whose experience, wisdom, and commitment to the public good continue to inspire generations of public servants long after he left active service. He added that the late former Minister played an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s public finance architecture and institutions, a legacy that will continue to resonate within the Federal Ministry of Finance and across the public service.
The Honourable Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased; the Governor and Government of Sokoto State; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Sultanate Council; and the people of Sokoto State.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus, and grants his family and all who mourn him the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday called on Nigerians to be more vigilant in the protection of vulnerable persons from human trafficking and traffickers.
Tinubu, in a statement she personally signed as part of the celebration of the “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”, appealed to the global community to strengthen commitment to ending human trafficking in all its forms and protecting the dignity, freedom, and rights of every individual.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” draws attention to the growing threat of human trafficking.
Human trafficking now forms part of modern-day slavery, which is usually perpetrated through online scams, forced criminality, and transnational organised crime.
According to her, the theme also highlights the need to increase public awareness, prevention, enforcement of our laws, and support for survivors.
“Let us remain vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that no one falls victim to exploitation. Through collective action, we can build a safer society where every person can live in freedom, dignity, and hope.
“We say “No” to human trafficking today”
Also as part of the International Day of Friendship, the First Lady also drew global attention to the power of friendship to unite people, strengthen communities, foster peace, understanding, and mutual respect.
She noted that no matter how far technology advances, man was never created to be alone, adding that ” As we become more connected digitally, human isolation is increasing by the day. We are emotional beings, and we should never underestimate the power of genuine human connection.
“Friendship reminds us to be our brother’s keeper, to show kindness, and to reject unhealthy behaviours that divide us. A simple act of kindness can heal a broken heart and help in making our world a better place”.
She therefore charged Nigerians to ” Go out there, give someone a smile, reach out with compassion, and be a friend”.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers from Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan.
Mr Oyelade said that the commission was expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify the factors that led to the security breach.
He said that the panel, which would be inaugurated on Friday, was also tasked with making recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
“The commission will examine the events leading to the kidnapping, assess the response of relevant authorities, and recommend measures to improve security and safeguard schools and communities across the state,” Mr Oyelade said.
He further explained that the setting up of the panel was in line with the governor’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
The abduction occurred on May 15, while the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued after 56 days in captivity.
(NAN)
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