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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as more damaging to Nigeria’s national life than any military regime in history.
Atiku Criticises APC Government
Atiku criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to fulfill its promises and undermining democratic governance.
“If there is anything positive in our recent political developments, it is the coming together of diverse political actors under the ADC to rescue the country from what I consider the worst administration I have witnessed in nearly four decades of political life,” Atiku said.
He added:
“Not even the military regimes before 1999 damaged our national life and consciousness in the way this administration has done.”
Political Unity and Loyalty
Atiku expressed optimism about politicians from across Nigeria uniting under the ADC, calling it a unique opportunity to reposition the nation and renew its democratic trajectory.
He highlighted the book’s focus on loyalty, noting that political loyalty differs from military obedience:
“For those of us in politics, loyalty is not rigid. It should strengthen the common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging. It requires accountability, transparency, and the ability to listen and learn, especially from those with whom we disagree. Loyalty should protect the dignity of every citizen.”
Atiku added:
“At times, loyalty comes with a price. Many of us, including myself, have faced exile and even assassination attempts as a consequence of loyalty. This is the reality of political life in Nigeria.”
APC Warned Against Overconfidence
Following Atiku’s remarks, ADC National Secretary Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola cautioned the APC against assuming that the defection of governors guarantees victory in 2027 elections.
Citing the last general election, Aregbesola said:
“In the South West, APC controlled nearly all states, yet its maximum performance was 55 percent, with the remainder shared by other parties. In Lagos, the APC candidate lost his ward, local government, and the state. In the South East, APC secured only 5.8 percent of the total vote. These results clearly demonstrate that governors do not win elections—the people do.”
He emphasized that claims of assured APC victory were misleading and stressed the importance of free and fair elections:
“Let them commit to credible elections first, then we will see the outcome. Democracy is about the will of the people, not political realignments.”
Historical Clarification by David Mark
Former Senate President David Mark also spoke at the launch, correcting a historical point in the book regarding the “Doctrine of Necessity”, which enabled former President Goodluck Jonathan to become Acting President.
“The initiative was entirely the work of the National Assembly, not the Nigeria Governors’ Forum or any individual from Kwara State,” Mark clarified.
About the Book and the Event
The Loyalist explores themes of political loyalty, conscience, and leadership in Nigeria, examining how personal and institutional choices shape the nation.
The launch drew legislators, ADC chieftains, former government officials, and political observers, showcasing the party’s growing national presence and its ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of 2027.
When contacted for reaction, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, did not respond to calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages.
