• Urges Nigerians to vote out APC, says next bid may be his last
• Former VP dismisses corruption allegations
• Yilwatda, Basiru reject blame for opposition crises

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday urged Nigerians to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to do so would amount to a disaster.

In an interview on Arise TV, Atiku said: “I don’t see a better future for Nigeria if we fail to vote out the APC from power.”

The former vice president, who also disclosed that his expected participation in the 2027 presidential election may be his last attempt at the nation’s top office, cited rising political stakes and the need to consolidate his experience.

According to him, “The stakes are higher because I believe that it will be my last… I think that’s a fact.”

Atiku, who has contested the presidency multiple times, argued that his blend of experience and historical perspective positions him to lead the country at a critical time.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, noting that while Nigeria has witnessed leadership across generations, expectations of younger leaders have not always been met. He added that emerging politicians require mentorship and guidance from more experienced figures.

He drew on his time serving under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stating that practical governance experience can only be gained through direct participation at the highest level.

Responding to criticism that he embodies Nigeria’s entrenched political establishment, Atiku maintained that leadership challenges in several states under younger governors highlight the need for experience at the centre. He described Nigeria’s governance challenges as both individual and systemic, stressing that capable leadership remains essential to stabilising the system.

He also reflected on past administrations, citing the transition following the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the leadership of Goodluck Jonathan. While acknowledging Jonathan as “a decent man”, Atiku attributed governance shortcomings during his tenure to inexperience in handling national challenges.

On his current political alignment, Atiku confirmed his role as a key initiator of a broad opposition coalition that includes members from multiple political parties. He argued that such alliances are necessary to strengthen electoral viability and democratic competition.

According to him, the coalition is driven by both a shared vision and a collective resolve to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which he described as disappointing, particularly in economic management.

“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 prioritises strengthening democratic institutions, including reinforcing the separation of powers and safeguarding constitutional governance.

Addressing concerns about internal rivalries among prominent figures within the alliance, he expressed confidence in the maturity of its members and the possibility of reaching consensus on a presidential candidate.

He affirmed his willingness to support any candidate who emerges through either consensus or a democratic process, including former allies, stating: “I will step aside for any candidate who emerges.”

Atiku said the coalition reflects a deliberate generational mix designed to ensure leadership continuity and provide a pathway for future political succession.

On the issue of allowing the South to complete eight years, he said: “You cannot balance the deficit. The North is behind for eight years.”

He also claimed that any coalition candidate contesting against Tinubu would prevail, stating, “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.”

Atiku added that, if elected president, his priority would be security and law and order. He attributed the country’s persistent insecurity to an inadequate number of well-trained, well-funded, and properly equipped security personnel.

On corruption allegations against him, the former vice president said: “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 added that his position on restructuring remains unchanged.

APC defends internal processes, rejects blame for opposition crises
MEANWHILE, the All Progressives Congress has pushed back against criticisms from opposition figures, with its leadership defending the party’s internal processes and governance record.

The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the party’s internal democratic processes remain intact and rejected suggestions that it is responsible for challenges within opposition parties.

Speaking during a media chat, the APC leadership criticised what it described as recurring instability among some politicians, noting that individuals who secure electoral mandates on one platform sometimes defect to another amid internal disputes.

Yilwatda said such actions point to weak ideological commitment and can undermine the broader political system. He maintained that the APC remains focused on strengthening its structures and delivering governance rather than intervening in the affairs of rival parties.

“As a political party, we cannot set up a department to manage opposition parties or prevent them from experiencing crises,” he said, adding that political organisations should take responsibility for their internal cohesion and discipline.

The APC chairman also pointed to the party’s record in states where it holds power, stating that its members are engaged in addressing challenges and implementing policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

On internal processes, Basiru said consensus-building remains central to the APC’s decision-making framework, describing it as a “high expression of democratic participation” that accommodates a wide range of views.

He explained that decisions are typically reached through consultations at the highest levels, including the National Executive Committee (NEC), with representation drawn from across the country.

Basiru added that Nigeria’s constitutional framework places executive authority in elected leaders, with ministers exercising delegated responsibilities in line with national priorities, particularly in infrastructure and social development.

The APC leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to periodic elections, internal reviews and conventions as mechanisms for renewing mandates and sustaining competitiveness.

Addressing broader governance concerns, the officials acknowledged socio-economic challenges affecting vulnerable populations, including access to healthcare and education, while pointing to ongoing government interventions aimed at expanding social protection and health insurance coverage.

They reiterated the party’s position as a leading political force and urged opposition parties to strengthen their internal systems rather than attributing their difficulties to external factors.