Nigeria under Tinubu worse than military regime – Atiku

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.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of The Loyalist, a book by African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, Atiku criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to deliver on 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.

“Not even the military regimes before 1999 damaged our national life and consciousness in the way this administration has done,” Atiku said.

He expressed satisfaction that politicians from across the country were uniting under the ADC, describing it as a unique opportunity to reposition the nation and renew its democratic trajectory.

The former Vice President highlighted the book’s focus on loyalty, noting that political loyalty differs from the military, where obedience is absolute.

“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,” he said, adding that loyalty should protect the dignity of every citizen.

“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,” he added.

Following Atiku’s remarks, ADC National Secretary Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola cautioned the APC against assuming that the defection of governors guarantees election victory in 2027. Citing data from the last general election, he argued that governors’ control of states does not automatically translate into votes.

“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,” Aregbesola said.

He noted that the APC’s claims of assured victory in 2027 were misleading and that a free and fair electoral process is critical.

“Let them commit to credible elections first, then we will see the outcome. Democracy is about the will of the people, not political realignments,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President David Mark corrected a historical point raised in the book regarding the “Doctrine of Necessity,” which facilitated former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ascension as Acting President. Mark said the initiative was entirely the work of the National Assembly, not the Nigeria Governors’ Forum or any individual from Kwara State.

The author said that the book explores political loyalty, conscience, and leadership in Nigeria, examining how personal and institutional choices shape the nation.