Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed calls for him to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not opposition figures, should step aside ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku made this position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, amid growing speculation that he was under pressure to relinquish his ambition in favour of a southern candidate.
The former vice president accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately working to weaken opposition parties and impose what he described as a de facto one-party system in Nigeria.
According to Atiku, Nigerians have endured severe economic hardship and democratic decline under the Tinubu administration, which he described as a “national liability.”
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have suffered under policies that have deepened poverty and shrunk democratic space,” the statement said. “This administration has not only inflicted hardship but has also pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives.”
Atiku alleged that the systematic weakening of opposition parties has left the APC dominant “by default rather than merit,” adding that the emergence of the ADC as a coalition platform has unsettled the Presidency.
His remarks come amid significant political realignments within the opposition, including the recent decision by former Anambra State Governor and ex–Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to formally join the ADC.
Reports have also suggested possible talks around a joint ticket involving Atiku and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, though no official confirmation has been made.
Atiku, however, rejected suggestions that he should step aside, warning that such calls amount to interference in the internal affairs of the ADC and serve the interests of the ruling party.
“The ADC is on a national rescue mission,” the statement read. “Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku Abubakar to step aside is a betrayal of democracy and a gift to authoritarian ambition.”
He stressed that the ADC would conduct an open, transparent, and competitive process in selecting its presidential candidate and would not tolerate intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage.
“At present, the party is focused on building strong grassroots structures nationwide. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will freely present themselves. No one is stepping down,” Atiku said.
He further claimed that Peter Obi’s public declaration of ADC membership in Enugu exposed growing anxiety within the ruling party, alleging that government officials had openly discussed plans to undermine the opposition coalition.
Atiku concluded by reiterating that if any political figure should withdraw from the 2027 race, it should be President Tinubu, whose leadership he said has failed Nigerians.
