Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out on the growing debate around the 2027 presidential race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku made it clear that no aspirant in the ADC presidential race will be pressured to step aside. He said every qualified contender is free to pursue their ambition within the party.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.
The statement also warned Nigerians against what it described as deliberate attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition ahead of the next general election.
Atiku’s reaction follows growing speculation that he is under pressure to step down in favour of a Southern candidate as the ADC prepares to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
In the statement, the former Vice President argued that the real person who should step aside is President Tinubu.
He described the President’s leadership as a burden to the country and blamed his administration for worsening economic hardship and democratic decline.
“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.”
He accused the current administration of intentionally stifling political opposition, warning that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system driven by intimidation and state power.
“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.”
Atiku further alleged that opposition parties have been deliberately weakened to ensure the APC remains dominant, not through performance but by default.
“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.”
According to the statement, this situation prompted several political leaders to rally around the ADC as a credible platform to challenge the ruling party.
“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.”
Atiku also accused individuals linked to the Presidency of attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC, especially concerning its choice of a presidential candidate.
“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.”
He insisted that calls for him to step aside are politically motivated and harmful to democratic principles.
“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.”
The statement emphasized that the ADC remains committed to a transparent and competitive process in selecting its presidential candidate and will not bow to intimidation or blackmail.
“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.”
It added that the party is currently focused on building its grassroots structures across wards, local governments, and states nationwide.
“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.”
Atiku also reaffirmed the party’s openness to opposition figures across the country, stressing that democracy thrives on choice, not coercion.
“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion is the soul of democracy.”
He concluded by firmly ruling out any withdrawal from the race and restating his position on President Tinubu.
“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 statement also referenced recent political developments involving the ADC, including heightened reactions from the ruling party following Peter Obi’s public declaration of membership.
“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.”
Atiku ended with a strong warning that the ADC will not be deterred from its political mission.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.