Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asserted that no presidential aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections will withdraw from the race, emphasising that all candidates will present themselves without reservation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku urged Nigerians to resist attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and undermine the opposition.
These remarks from the former Vice President come amidst speculation that he is under pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s standard bearer in the forthcoming election against President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku further asserted that if anyone ought to withdraw, it should be President Bola Tinubu, whose leadership he labelled as an increasing national liability.
The statement read in part: “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era characterised by punitive economic policies and a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has also pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.
“Perhaps the most troubling achievement of the Tinubu administration has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its evident failures—standing alone by default, not by merit.
“Thankfully, patriotic leaders recognised this danger early on and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.
“Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions regarding its internal affairs, particularly concerning the selection of a presidential candidate.
“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other dedicated 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 ADC is committed to ending the purported misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission.
The statement continued: “The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its standard bearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no authority to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.
“At present, the ADC is focused on building robust ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to carry out this essential work without interference.
“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the essence of democracy.
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 recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heart of the Southeast, has 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.”
