Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Atiku Abubakar has said he regrets being among those who helped form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 to remove the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming the situation in Nigeria has since become worse under the present administration, news reports say.

Atiku made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday during a public address as part of his ongoing commentary on Nigeria’s political landscape and the forthcoming 2027 general elections. In his statement he reflected on the coalition of opposition parties that came together more than a decade ago to challenge the dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and successfully unseated its government.

“My involvement in bringing together forces to form the APC and remove the Jonathan administration is something I now regret,” Atiku said. “Today the situation in Nigeria has deteriorated even more under the current APC government, and many of the problems we hoped to solve have only deepened,” he added.

Atiku’s remarks have reignited debate over the performance of successive APC administrations, with critics widely arguing that economic hardship insecurity and institutional weaknesses have persisted or worsened in recent years. Political analysts say the former vice-president’s comments reflect broader opposition frustrations as the 2027 election cycle intensifies.

Supporters of the APC have dismissed the claim promoting an alternative view that reforms and policy efforts by the federal government are aimed at stabilising the economy and improving governance despite initial challenges. The ruling party says critics should recognise the complexity of national challenges rather than attribute all negative developments to the government alone.

Atiku’s critique adds to a chorus of political voices calling for stronger democratic accountability greater economic opportunities and improved security outcomes ahead of the next elections, with many Nigerians expressing deep concern about the direction of the country.