I Regret Helping to Remove Jonathan in 2015 — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has admitted that he regrets being part of the political coalition that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and removed Goodluck Jonathan from office in the 2015 presidential election, saying Nigeria’s insecurity and economic challenges have worsened under the party’s leadership.

Atiku made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during a joint press conference by opposition political parties convened to protest the amended 2026 Electoral Act, which allows the use of both manual and electronic transmission of election results. Opposition leaders argue that the provision could weaken electoral transparency by encouraging manual processes under claims of network failure.

“I regret being among those who helped form the APC in 2014 to remove Goodluck Jonathan from office,” Atiku said, adding that the country’s situation has deteriorated rather than improved under the current administration.

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He recalled that the APC was formed amid widespread concerns about rising insecurity, economic hardship and democratic governance under the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to him, the opposition alliance believed it could correct those challenges and strengthen democracy but ended up failing to meet expectations.

“We came together in 2014 because we felt democracy was faulty, only for us to end up in the same position we found ourselves in then — and even worse,” Atiku stated.

The former vice president stressed that insecurity, which was one of the main issues ahead of the 2015 elections, has expanded across more parts of Nigeria, while economic indicators such as inflation, unemployment, poverty and cost of living have significantly worsened.

“In 2014, the major challenges were insecurity and the economy. Now, those problems are worse than what we fought against,” he added.

Atiku, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007 under Olusegun Obasanjo, urged opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that Nigeria’s democratic decline could have wider consequences beyond its borders.

“The collapse of democracy in Nigeria will lead to the collapse of democracy in Africa because Nigeria is the largest democracy on the continent,” he said. “We must restore true democracy to our country.”

Several prominent opposition figures attended the press conference, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Ajuji Ahmed, national chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP).

A six-time presidential candidate and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku is increasingly positioning himself as a key figure in a growing opposition alliance seeking to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 polls.

I Regret Helping to Remove Jonathan in 2015 — Atiku

Breaking: Ahmadu Fintiri Joins APC, Weakens PDP in North-East

In a significant political shake-up in Nigeria, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a major blow to the opposition and reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Fintiri announced his defection during a statewide broadcast on Friday, stating that his decision was driven by what he described as the developmental interest of the people of Adamawa State. The move signals a new phase of political alignment between Adamawa and the federal ruling party.

The governor did not defect alone. Several members of his cabinet and key PDP officials in Adamawa State also joined the APC, marking a sweeping political shift within the state. The development significantly weakens the PDP’s structure in one of its notable strongholds in the North-East.

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The defection follows weeks of mounting speculation after multiple members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly — including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker — resigned from the PDP. Most of the lawmakers are expected to align with the APC, potentially strengthening the ruling party’s legislative grip in the state.

Political observers describe the development as a major strategic victory for the APC, particularly in the North-East region. Adamawa has long been politically associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, making the governor’s move even more consequential within national political calculations.

The defection comes amid increasing political realignments in Nigeria, as governors, lawmakers and influential party figures reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle. Analysts say such shifts could significantly influence party strength, coalition building and campaign strategies in the lead-up to 2027.

With this move, the APC expands its influence across more states, while the PDP faces renewed internal pressure to stabilize its ranks and prevent further defections.

As of press time, the national leadership of the PDP had not issued an official response to the development.

Breaking: Ahmadu Fintiri Joins APC, Weakens PDP in North-East

Atiku, Other Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu‑Signed Electoral Act 2026

Nigerian opposition leaders, including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and David Mark, have rejected the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a threat to free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

The opposition bloc, comprising major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the speed and process through which the National Assembly passed the legislation, warning that it disproportionately benefits the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a press briefing in Abuja, Ajuri Ahmed of the NNPP alleged that the law positions President Tinubu as the sole viable presidential contender while weakening transparency. He highlighted the inclusion of a manual results transmission clause, questioning why, when statistics show results can be electronically transmitted from every polling unit, the provision was retained. (african.business)

Ahmed also cited the recent FCT Area Council elections as evidence of potential bias in the act, saying the new INEC Chairman’s performance revealed gaps in election management that could compromise future polls. He questioned the rush with which President Tinubu signed the act, contrasting it with delays on other legislative bills.

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Opposition Demands

• Fresh Amendment of Electoral Act: Opposition leaders insist that the National Assembly should review and amend the act to eliminate provisions that could undermine election integrity.
• Mandatory Real-Time Electronic Results Transmission: They emphasized that all polling unit results should be transmitted electronically to prevent manipulation and fraud.
• Transparent Candidate Nomination Processes: They called for reforms ensuring fair access for all parties, arguing current provisions favor the ruling APC. (punchng.com)

The opposition stressed that their objections are non-partisan, aimed solely at safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting voters’ rights, and ensuring credible elections in 2027. They also urged civil society groups, rights organizations, and Nigerians to support efforts for transparent and accountable electoral reforms.

The ruling APC has defended the amendments, claiming they clarify electoral procedures and strengthen the legal framework for elections. However, critics maintain that the manual results transmission provision leaves room for disputes and potential manipulation, threatening public confidence in the electoral process. (independent.ng)

The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act 2026 amendment continues to deepen political tensions in Nigeria, with the opposition insisting that fresh legislative reforms are necessary to guarantee fair and credible elections.

Atiku, Other Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu‑Signed Electoral Act 2026