I Regret Helping to Remove Jonathan in 2015 — Atiku - Newstrends
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I Regret Helping to Remove Jonathan in 2015 — Atiku

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Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar

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

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Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

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Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.

The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.

Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.

“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.

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He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he “cannot and will not be disloyal” to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,” he added.

Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.

He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.

The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.

However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.

Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.

For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the state’s political environment.

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

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APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

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Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi
Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders, and political heavyweights to deliberate on succession planning and the party’s roadmap for the next election cycle.

Governor Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and reflected a collective agreement on the individual deemed most capable of sustaining APC’s political dominance in the state.

“But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” the governor stated during the meeting, signalling the formal adoption of Adeola as the party’s preferred candidate.

The announcement was followed by a show of excitement as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement, with supporters cheering, chanting, and celebrating what many described as a major political breakthrough within the party.

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Party leaders at the meeting reportedly emphasised the need for continuity, unity, and stability within the APC, noting that early consensus would help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen preparations ahead of 2027.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate, has long been considered a front-runner in Ogun State politics due to his influence, political structure, and federal legislative experience.

Political observers say the endorsement marks a significant turning point in the APC’s succession strategy, potentially narrowing the field of aspirants and consolidating support around a single candidate within the party hierarchy.

The development is also expected to reshape early political calculations in Ogun State, as attention now shifts to opposition parties and other potential contenders ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship race.

Analysts note that the APC’s early consensus move could give the ruling party a strategic advantage by reducing internal divisions and allowing it to focus on broader campaign strategy well ahead of the election season.

As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the endorsement of Adeola signals the beginning of intensified political realignments across Ogun State’s political landscape.

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

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ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) caucus in the House of Representatives has called for the immediate prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of partisanship, compromised neutrality, and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers made their position known after an inaugural caucus meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and expressed concern over what they described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

In a strongly worded resolution, the ADC legislators alleged that the INEC chairman had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the expectations of an impartial electoral official. They claimed that his actions and public expressions raised questions about his neutrality in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

A key allegation raised by the caucus is that the INEC chairman allegedly operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account where he was said to have expressed political opinions perceived as supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and made posts relating to sensitive national issues, including claims of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Although INEC has previously denied any connection between Prof. Amupitan and the account in question, the lawmakers insisted that online investigations and digital claims circulating in the public space warrant deeper scrutiny and official clarification.

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“The office of the INEC chairman is too critical to be tainted by allegations of partisanship,” the caucus stated, warning that failure to address the issue could erode confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

The lawmakers further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has taken steps they consider prejudicial to the ADC, including what they described as recognition of a disputed internal leadership faction within the party. They argued that the commission’s actions interfere in internal party affairs and undermine its role as an independent electoral referee.

The caucus also raised concerns over an ongoing court case involving the ADC’s leadership dispute, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026, alleging possible undue influence and warning against what they described as judicial interference in party matters.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the lawmakers argued that internal party disputes should not be subjected to external interference and urged strict adherence to constitutional and legal boundaries governing political party administration.

Beyond INEC, the ADC caucus also announced plans to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing some judicial officers of compromised conduct in politically sensitive cases. They called for investigations into alleged misconduct and possible disciplinary action where necessary.

The lawmakers referenced recent concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership over judicial independence and alleged political influence, including the controversial practice of political figures making donations or gifts to judicial officers.

Describing the situation as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC lawmakers urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and ensure accountability across all arms of government.

They also lamented what they described as a decline in judicial integrity, citing respected jurists such as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice Niki Tobi, Justice Kayode Eso, and Justice Mohammed Uwais as benchmarks for judicial independence and credibility.

Reaffirming their position, the caucus insisted that INEC must not only be independent in name but must demonstrate transparency, impartiality, and credibility in both perception and practice, warning that any erosion of trust could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

ADC Reps Demand Prosecution, Removal of INEC Chairman

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