Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over Nigeria’s direction, stating that he does not see a promising future for the country if the ruling All Progressives Congress remains in power.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, Atiku urged Nigerians to vote out the APC and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning of dire consequences if the current administration is retained.
“I don’t see a better future for Nigeria if we fail to vote out the APC from power,” he said.
Atiku also revealed that his expected participation in the 2027 presidential race could be his final attempt at securing the nation’s top office, citing the high stakes involved and the need to consolidate his political experience.
According to him, “The stakes are higher because I believe that it will be my last… I think that’s a fact.”
The former vice president, who has contested the presidency multiple times, said his experience positions him to provide leadership at a critical moment, while stressing the importance of mentorship for emerging politicians.
“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, noting that although Nigeria has seen leadership across generations, expectations of younger leaders have not always been fulfilled.
Drawing from his time serving under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku said effective governance requires direct exposure at the highest levels of leadership.
Responding to criticism that he represents the old political order, he argued that governance challenges in some states led by younger leaders highlight the need for experienced leadership at the centre. He described Nigeria’s problems as both systemic and individual, stressing that competent leadership is crucial to national stability.
He also reflected on previous administrations, referencing the transition after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the leadership of Goodluck Jonathan. While describing Jonathan as “a decent man,” Atiku attributed governance shortcomings during his tenure to inexperience in handling national issues.
On his political plans, Atiku confirmed his involvement in building a broad opposition coalition comprising members from multiple parties, aimed at strengthening democratic competition and improving electoral prospects.
He criticised the Tinubu administration, particularly its handling of the economy, describing its performance as disappointing.
“Tinubu has been a very bad president, to be honest with you. I didn’t expect that from him… the way he governs the country, whether economically or otherwise, it’s a disappointment,” Atiku said.
He added that the coalition is focused on strengthening democratic institutions, including upholding the separation of powers and constitutional governance.
Addressing concerns about internal rivalries within the alliance, Atiku expressed confidence that its members would reach consensus on a presidential candidate and reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges through a democratic process.
“I will step aside for any candidate who emerges.”
He said the coalition reflects a deliberate mix of experience and generational representation aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and preparing the ground for future succession.
On the issue of regional balance, he said: “You cannot balance the deficit. The North is behind for eight years.”
Atiku further claimed that any candidate fielded by the coalition would defeat President Tinubu, offering a strong critique of the current administration.
“The President is dead on arrival. Everything is wrong with Tinubu. I’ve not seen a government that is as bad as that of Tinubu.”
Outlining his priorities, Atiku said that if elected, he would focus on restoring security and law and order, attributing Nigeria’s insecurity to a shortage of well-trained and adequately equipped personnel.
Addressing allegations of corruption, he dismissed them as politically motivated.
“The perceived corruption tag is politically motivated.”
According to him, “Former President Obasanjo, under whom I served as vice president, set up a panel to probe me, knowing fully well that I had immunity. Despite that, I waived my immunity, and the trio of Bayo Ojo, then Minister of Justice, Nasir el-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu came to my office. But at the end of the day, nothing was found against me.”
He also reiterated his longstanding position in support of restructuring.
