Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly stated that he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, insisting that no individual or group can pressure him to step down.
Atiku, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made this known in a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe. The statement accused the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of interfering in the internal affairs of the ADC, especially in the selection of its presidential candidate.
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC are working towards weakening opposition parties in a bid to create a one party system in Nigeria. He claimed that individuals linked to the Presidency are attempting to destabilise the ADC by making comments and suggestions on who should emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
According to Atiku, other notable politicians, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, have also shown interest in contesting on the ADC platform.
He said the ADC leadership has assured all aspirants that the party will conduct an open and fair process to choose its presidential candidate. Atiku stressed that every aspirant would participate in a national convention to decide the party’s flagbearer.
The statement described calls for Atiku to step aside as harmful to democracy, noting that such moves only favour what it described as growing authoritarian tendencies. It said Nigerians have faced severe economic hardship and a shrinking democratic space under the current administration.
Atiku further stated that the ADC was formed to provide Nigerians with a strong and credible alternative, adding that the party is focused on building its structures at ward, local government and state levels across the country.
He maintained that the party remains open to all genuine opposition figures and warned against external pressure or intimidation. “No one is stepping down,” the statement said, adding that if anyone should step aside, it should be President Tinubu.
The former Vice President also referred to the recent public declaration of ADC membership by Peter Obi in Enugu, claiming it triggered reactions from government officials who allegedly threatened to undermine the party.
Atiku concluded by saying that the ADC is determined to challenge the APC in 2027 and will not allow intimidation or interference to stop what he described as a mission to rescue Nigeria’s democracy.