Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed calls for him to withdraw from the presidential race for the African Democratic Congress ticket, insisting he remains firmly in contention ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of allegedly interfering in the affairs of opposition parties in a bid to weaken them before the next general polls.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, the former Vice President urged Nigerians to resist what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to intimidate opposition forces.
Dismisses pressure over zoning
Atiku’s position comes amid reports that he is under pressure to step aside to allow a southern candidate emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer.
The development follows the recent defection of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to the ADC, as well as speculations of a possible alliance involving former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
However, the ex-vice president made it clear that he would not yield to any such demands, describing calls for his withdrawal as detrimental to democratic choice.
Accuses Tinubu of weakening opposition
Atiku alleged that the Tinubu administration had, over the past few years, implemented policies that have worsened economic hardship while shrinking democratic space.
He further accused the government of orchestrating efforts to undermine opposition parties, warning of a gradual drift towards a one-party state.
According to him, the alleged weakening of opposition platforms was designed to give the ruling party an undue advantage in 2027.
He maintained that patriotic leaders had rallied around the ADC as a viable platform to challenge the current administration.
Warns against external interference
The former Vice President also alleged that individuals linked to the Presidency were attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal processes, particularly the selection of its presidential candidate.
He stressed that the party remained committed to an open and transparent process, insisting that all aspirants would be given a fair opportunity to contest.
Atiku warned that any attempt to pressure him into stepping down would undermine democratic principles and serve authoritarian interests.
‘ADC on rescue mission’
Reaffirming his stance, Atiku said the ADC was focused on building structures across the country and strengthening its position as a credible opposition platform.
He added that the party remained open to genuine opposition figures, noting that inclusiveness, rather than coercion, defines democracy.
The former Vice President insisted that no amount of intimidation or political manoeuvring would derail what he described as a mission to reposition Nigeria.
He, however, turned the spotlight on Tinubu, saying if anyone should step aside, it should be the President, whom he accused of poor governance.
Atiku’s remarks signal intensifying political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures seeking to consolidate under a common platform to challenge the ruling party.
