Atiku Rejects Pressure To Quit ADC Presidential Race, Accuses Tinubu Of Plot To Cripple Opposition Ahead Of 2027

Abuja, Nigeria– Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly ruled out stepping down from the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to weaken and destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on Nigerians to resist what he described as intimidation and interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at silencing dissent and shrinking democratic space.

His comments come amid growing speculation that powerful interests within the emerging opposition coalition are pressuring him to step aside for a southern candidate, following the recent defection of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the ADC.

Reports have also suggested that Atiku is considering a joint political arrangement with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as part of efforts to secure the party’s ticket.

However, Atiku dismissed any suggestion that he should withdraw from the race, insisting that such calls are part of a broader strategy to hand President Tinubu an easy path to re-election.

“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history—an era defined by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

According to Atiku, the Tinubu administration has gone beyond policy failures to actively undermine democracy by weakening opposition parties, with the ultimate goal of installing what he described as a “creeping, de facto one-party state.”

He accused the Presidency of sponsoring external actors to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly in relation to the selection of its 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,” Atiku said.

“Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku Abubakar to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”

The former Vice President described the ADC as a “national rescue platform” formed by what he called patriotic leaders who recognised early the dangers posed by the ruling party’s dominance.

He further accused Tinubu of misgovernance, declaring that the President’s leadership has become “a growing national liability,” and argued that if anyone should step aside, it should be the incumbent President.

Atiku also warned APC-linked “proxies” to stay away from the ADC’s internal processes, stressing that the party remains committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process in choosing its flagbearer.

“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,” he said.

He added that the party remains open to all genuine opposition figures, noting that inclusiveness—not coercion—is the foundation of democracy.

Atiku also referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by Peter Obi in Enugu, describing the Southeast city as a key political nerve centre, and alleged that the move triggered panic within the Presidency.

“Their fear is evident,” he said, claiming that a serving minister and presidential aides had openly boasted of plans to undermine the ADC.

Atiku vowed that no amount of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage would derail what he described as the ADC’s mission to end the “misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC.”

“Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” he added.