Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, has declared that no presidential aspirant will step down in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement on Tuesday by Paul Ibe, his media adviser, amid speculation that he was under pressure to withdraw from the race in favour of a southern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
The former vice president urged Nigerians to resist what he described as attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and weaken opposition parties.
According to the statement, Atiku said that if anyone should step aside, it should be President Tinubu, whose leadership he described as a growing national liability.
The statement read in part: “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.
“Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit.
“Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.”
The statement further accused individuals aligned with the presidency of attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the selection of its presidential candidate.
“Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate,” it said.
Atiku stressed that the ADC remains committed to an open and competitive nomination process.
“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”
He added that the party would not be deterred by intimidation or sabotage.
“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve,” the statement said.
“At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference.
“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy.”
Atiku also dismissed suggestions of any withdrawal from the race, insisting that all qualified aspirants would contest freely.
“When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.”
The statement further referenced the recent declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, claiming it had unsettled the ruling party.
“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.
“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”