[BREAKING] Atiku: National Assembly Leadership is Corrupt, Akpabio Has a Habit of Abusing Women Since His Days as Governor
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made bold claims about corruption in the National Assembly, particularly targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio adding that he was not surprised that the state of emergency passed easily in the National Assembly, he said,
“I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt. I have no apologies about that. And they could do anything.” He went on to accuse Akpabio of misconduct during his tenure as governor, saying, “Not only was he corrupt, but he was also in the habit of abusing women.”
In an exclusive interview, Atiku Abubakar spoke out on key political issues in Nigeria, addressing the 2023 elections, his choice of running mate, the state of the opposition, and corruption in the National Assembly. The former vice president also defended his past decisions while making strong allegations about the country’s leadership.
When asked whether he regretted not selecting Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku firmly stated, “No, not at all.”
He explained that in 2019, he had consulted with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who advised him to pick a running mate from the Southeast.
“The first person he suggested was Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,” Atiku revealed. However, because she was not a party member, he considered other options. “Then he said, ‘What about Peter Obi?’ I said, ‘Peter Obi is a member of the party.’ He said, ‘Okay, take him.’ I said, ‘Okay, sir.’”
Atiku emphasised that his running mate decisions have always been made through consultation, noting that in 2023, he allowed the party to set up a committee to recommend candidates. “So I picked number one,” he said, referring to Ifeanyi Okowa.
Addressing his newly formed political coalition, which includes Nasir El-Rufai and possibly Peter Obi, Atiku dismissed concerns about leadership conflicts ahead of the 2027 election. He drew parallels with the 2014 merger that led to the victory of Muhammadu Buhari.
“There were about four of us… We all ran for president, and one of us emerged. We all supported the one who emerged, and he won,” he stated, leaving open the possibility of another bid for the presidency but stressing the need for a “viable platform.”
On the state of opposition politics, Atiku did not hold back in his criticism of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). When asked whether the party had been weakened, he responded,
“Yes, definitely, the PDP is weak because we have a compromised leadership in the party, and there’s no doubt about that.”
His statements are likely to spark political controversy, especially with the 2027 election on the horizon. Atiku’s remarks signal a continued effort to position himself as a key opposition figure, challenging both the ruling party and internal forces within the PDP.
