4 reasons former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave for leaving APC

There have been many cases of party members leaving APC, but the departure of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the ruling party is considered the biggest blow.

Although the former Vice President has had a long history of departing political parties to join others. In the wake of struggle to gain the party's heart in preparation for the 2019 general election, Mr Atiku chose leave to the All Progressive Congress (APC) to either pitch to his Presidential ambition or otherwise.

According to a statement published by a local media in Nigeria, he accused the ruling APC of many allegations, noting that these misgivings led to his decision to leave the party.

Here are some of the reasons that made the former Vice President of the country to consider exiting the party, even he played major role in getting it to its current position as the ruling party in Nigeria.

1. Neglecting the youth

Atiku cited one of his greatest concerns about the party is that it is not taking its younger members along or encouraging their political ambition.

He also questioned how the party could create a federal cabinet without any member being youth.

2. An authoritarian approach to governing

The former Vice President narrated that he had joined APC believing that the party was willing to approach politics and in turn governing with a new approach.

He went on to say that over the course of time he was proved wrong in his beliefs as APC were unwilling to adopt undemocratic approaches to governing. He accused APC of practices that go contrary to what would apply in democracy.

3. APC’s failure to meet expectations of citizens

Atiku accused the political party of continuously failing to meet expectations and needs of citizens in the nation. In his accusation, he made reference to a memo which Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai had written to President Muhammadu Buhari. In it, the governor had expressed the masses disappointment in the party.

4. Lack of consultation with other party members

One of the other reasons mentioned by Atiku is that there has been a complete lack of consultation by the President Muhammadu Buhari. The former Vice President has failed to refer to his party members on national matters within and outside of the leading party.

Still referring to El-Rufai’s letter, Atiku stated that the President's relations with the party's members have been perceived as “frosty”.