Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no aspirant will step down in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections, asserting that all candidates will freely present themselves.
Atiku made the statement on Tuesday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, while urging Nigerians to resist attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and weaken opposition parties.
The former Vice President’s remarks come amid speculation that he is under pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer in the forthcoming election against President Bola Tinubu. Atiku, however, said that if anyone should step down, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership he described as a growing national liability.
“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,” the statement said. “Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the APC standing alone by default, not by merit.”
Atiku accused agents aligned with the presidency of attempting to destabilise the ADC, including efforts to influence the party’s internal selection process. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for choosing its presidential candidate, emphasizing that no form of intimidation or sabotage will derail its mission.
“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 statement added.
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Atiku also welcomed genuine opposition figures to the ADC, noting that inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy. He warned that attempts to undermine the party would fail, reiterating that all aspirants will freely present themselves and asserting that Nigeria’s democracy will not be surrendered without a fight.
The statement referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, describing it as evidence of growing support for the party and highlighting fears among APC officials.
Atiku concluded that the ADC remains committed to ending the misfortunes imposed by the Tinubu-led APC and strengthening opposition structures across the country.