Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has firmly ruled out stepping down from the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of interfering in the affairs of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku made this known in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, where he urged Nigerians to resist what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and weaken the opposition.
His reaction followed reports that he was under pressure to withdraw from the race in favour of a southern candidate, especially after former Anambra State governor and ex–Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, formally joined the ADC. There have also been speculations about a possible joint ticket involving former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Rejecting calls to step aside, Atiku accused President Tinubu of deliberately undermining opposition parties to pave the way for a smooth re-election bid in 2027. He described the Tinubu administration as a growing national liability, alleging widespread economic hardship and democratic decline.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, defined by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space,” Atiku said. “This administration has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives, with the clear objective of imposing a de facto one-party state.”
He further accused the Presidency of sponsoring efforts to destabilise the ADC, particularly regarding the choice of its presidential candidate.
“At present, agents aligned with the Presidency are issuing reckless prescriptions about ADC’s internal affairs. Let it be stated clearly: any call for Atiku Abubakar to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
Atiku stressed that the ADC remains committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process in selecting its flagbearer, warning that intimidation, blackmail, or sabotage would not derail the party’s mission.
He also stated that the party is currently focused on building strong grassroots structures nationwide and called on alleged infiltrators to desist from interfering.
“The ADC is open to all genuine opposition figures. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will freely present themselves. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership has become a national liability,” he said.
Atiku noted that the recent declaration of ADC membership by Peter Obi in Enugu had triggered panic within the ruling party, accusing some government officials of plotting to undermine the opposition coalition.
He concluded by vowing that the ADC would resist all attempts to sabotage its efforts, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy would not be surrendered without a fight.
