Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ruled out any arrangement for aspirants to step down for one another in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, amid speculations that he was under pressure to withdraw in favour of a southern candidate as the party’s flagbearer.
He dismissed the rumours, stating that opposition leaders had come together under the ADC to build a credible national alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that all qualified aspirants would be allowed to freely participate in the party’s selection process.
According to the former vice president, the ADC remains committed to an open, transparent and competitive process for choosing its presidential candidate.
He accused individuals aligned with the presidency of attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the party in a bid to weaken the opposition ahead of the elections.
“Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this national rescue mission. Any call, whether open or hidden, for him to step aside is a betrayal of the Nigerian people and a boost for authoritarian ambitions,” the statement read.
Atiku further alleged that the APC-led federal government was deliberately working to destabilise opposition parties, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic space.
He criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a growing national burden, particularly in the area of economic management.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, marked by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space,” he said.
He added that the administration’s actions have contributed to the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the ruling APC dominant by default rather than performance.
Atiku noted that concerned political leaders had identified the danger early and resolved to resist it by rallying around the ADC as a platform for a viable national alternative.
He reiterated that the party would not be distracted by external pressure and would remain focused on providing Nigerians with a credible choice in 2027.
2027: No Aspirant Will Step Down in ADC Presidential Race — Atiku
