Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no presidential aspirant within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will be pressured to step aside for another, as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the assertion in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, in which he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate and weaken the opposition ahead of the polls.
The former vice president’s remarks come amid speculation that he is under pressure to step down in favour of a southern candidate as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer in a contest expected to pit the party against President Bola Tinubu.
According to Atiku, opposition leaders coalesced around the ADC with the aim of building a credible, nationwide alternative to the ruling party. He stressed that all qualified aspirants would be allowed to freely present themselves when the party formally begins its candidate selection process.
“Predictably, individuals aligned with the presidency are now seeking to destabilise the ADC from the outside by offering reckless prescriptions on its internal affairs, particularly regarding the choice of a presidential candidate,” Atiku said.
“Let it be stated clearly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, remains central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to ‘step aside’ only serves authoritarian ambition and betrays the hopes of the Nigerian people.”
He reaffirmed that the ADC remains firmly committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process in the selection of its presidential flagbearer.
Atiku also launched a strong critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a growing liability to the nation.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the most difficult periods in recent history—marked by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“Beyond the hardship imposed on citizens, this administration has embarked on a calculated effort to stifle political alternatives. The goal is unmistakable: the gradual emergence of a de facto one-party state.”
He further accused the Tinubu-led government of systematically weakening opposition parties, leaving the APC dominant by default rather than performance.
“Fortunately, patriotic leaders recognised this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative,” Atiku added.
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