2027 Presidential race: No one is stepping down in ADC – Atiku declares

The former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no qualified aspirant will withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Ibe, his media adviser, Abubakar accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate and weaken the opposition ahead of next year’s elections.

He said all qualified aspirants would “present themselves freely” when the party begins its selection process.

The former vice-president spoke amid reports that he was under pressure to step down for a southern aspirant to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer.

According to the statement titled: “Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat”, 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”, the former vice president added.
He pressed further that true to form, accusing Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of not just only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives.

Atiku said, “The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state. Perhaps the 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 (ADC) as the nucleus of a credible national alternative”, he disclosed
Atiku said 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.

He added that 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”.

The former vice president stated clearly that himself alongside other committed patriots, is central to the party’s effort, adding that any call overt or covert for him to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.

According to him, “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”, he concluded.