ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has announced plans to build a sweeping political coalition that would unite the country’s leading parties — including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) — in a bid to challenge the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he described as “incompetent and inefficient.”
Atiku made the statement on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, while receiving a delegation of political stakeholders from Kogi East Senatorial Zone, led by former Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba.
The meeting, held in Abuja, also focused on regional security challenges and the need for unity in northern Nigeria.
The former vice president expressed concern over the escalating insecurity across the country, accusing the Tinubu-led government of lacking the political will to address the crisis.
He recalled his own experience with insurgency while in office, citing the initial emergence of Boko Haram in 2002.
“How can leaders remain indifferent while their citizens are being killed? Such apathy is the height of irresponsibility for any political leader, anywhere,” Atiku said.
Atiku further criticised what he called the government’s “under-policing” strategy and proposed a national recruitment drive to bring educated, unemployed Nigerians into the police force.
“We are under-policed. There are not enough police officers in this country, while many educated individuals remain unemployed. Why not recruit them into the police force?” he asked.
In a significant political development, Atiku disclosed plans to establish a united coalition made up of Nigeria’s three major political parties.
“We are forming a coalition, all major political parties, including the APC, the PDP, and the Labour Party, are involved. This is the only way forward to confront such an incompetent and inefficient government. I assure you of my understanding and full support.”
Simon Achuba, who led the delegation, echoed the former vice president’s remarks, warning that insecurity in the North was worsening and calling for urgent intervention.
“Unfortunately, the government is doing little to alleviate this crisis, and it is their responsibility, sir. It is the government’s duty to ensure peace and order in our communities,” Achuba said.
“Yet, in a situation where the government fails to take adequate action, I believe, we believe, that northern leadership must step up.”
Achuba called for a renewed sense of unity and cooperation among northern leaders, urging them to put aside political divisions to tackle the region’s growing security and development challenges.
