Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he could not step in to resolve the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Atiku said his hands were tied because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly used some PDP leaders to frustrate efforts at building a strong opposition. He noted that if he had occupied a key position—such as party chairman or secretary—he would have made decisive moves to restore unity.
“I could have taken firm decisions to fix the party if I was the chairman or secretary, or if someone close to me who listened was in that position,” Atiku stated. “Unfortunately, those currently holding the offices have personal interests that override the collective good.”
Atiku also dismissed claims that he is desperate for power, insisting his concern is rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges. He recalled that one of the reasons for forming the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was to establish an alternative platform, since the PDP had been weakened by internal sabotage.
He accused the APC-led government of deliberately destabilizing the opposition, pointing to the actions and utterances of some PDP leaders as evidence.
On the ADC’s progress, Atiku explained that the party has already formed its national leadership and is now working to strengthen structures at the state and local government levels ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the former vice president lamented that the country has fallen short of the vision of its founding fathers. He criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, blaming the unplanned fuel subsidy removal in 2023 for worsening poverty and hardship.
“When I was vice president, we proposed removing fuel subsidy in four phases, while engaging labour unions and other stakeholders throughout the process,” Atiku said. “But Tinubu removed it completely without any cushioning measures, leading to untold suffering and unprecedented poverty. No country removes subsidy all at once—it only brings pain to the people.”
