2027: No presidential aspirant will step down in ADC – Atiku

Says ADC committed to “an open, transparent, competitive process” for selecting  flag bearer

Accuses Tinubu administration of systematic weakening of opposition parties

Emeka Agu Jnr

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, says no qualified aspirant will step down from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that all aspirants will present themselves freely.

In a statement on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the former vice president called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate and weaken the opposition.

Atiku spoke amid reports that he was under pressure to step down for a southern aspirant to emerge as the ADC’s flag bearer against President Bola Tinubu.

He added that if anyone should step down, it is President Bola Tinubu, whose leadership he described as a growing national liability.

Atiku stressed that the ADC remained committed to “an open, transparent, and competitive process” for selecting its flag bearer.

He said the party is open to all genuine opposition figures, noting that “inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy”.

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.

“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.

“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 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.

Continuing, he added: “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.

“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.

“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 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.”