Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed any notion of withdrawing from the contest for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket while accusing President Bola Tinubu of purported meddling in the opposition coalition’s internal matters.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media consultant, Paul Ibe, urged Nigerians to oppose attempts by the All Progressives Congress to coerce and undermine the opposition.
The ex-vice president’s remarks arose during speculation that he is experiencing pressure to allow a southern candidate to become the ADC’s representative in the upcoming election against President Bola Tinubu.
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has officially joined the ADC, and there are indications that Atiku might be considering a joint ticket with ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to secure the ADC nomination.
However, while dismissing any request to withdraw from the presidential contest, Atiku blamed Tinubu for intentionally undermining the opposition parties to ensure an easy victory in 2027.
He charged Tinubu with misgovernance, describing his administration as an increasing national burden.
He said, “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has also pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.
“Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit. Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.
“Predictably, agents aligned with the presidency are now attempting to destabilize the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.
“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”
He also stated that the ADC is committed to ending the alleged misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission.
“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.
“At present, 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.
“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.
“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.
“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”
