Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, accusing the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to destabilize the ADC.
In a statement titled “Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat”, signed by his media aide Paul Ibe, Atiku said agents aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were interfering in the party’s internal processes, particularly the selection of its presidential candidate.
“Atiku, alongside other patriotic leaders, is central to the ADC’s national rescue mission.
Any call for him to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
The former vice president accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to create a de facto one-party state by weakening opposition parties.
He also noted that other contenders, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former APC aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, have declared interest in the ADC ticket.
“At present, the ADC is focused on strengthening ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to carry out this essential work without interference,” Atiku emphasized.
He further criticized the APC for intimidation and interference, stating that the ADC remains committed to a transparent and competitive process for selecting its flag bearer.
“No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu whose leadership has become a national liability,” the statement concluded.
Atiku’s remarks come amid growing concerns about shrinking democratic space and the ruling party’s influence over opposition politics.