Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he may step aside for a southern presidential candidate, insisting that no aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will withdraw from the party’s 2027 race.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the general elections. He affirmed that all qualified aspirants in the ADC would contest freely once the party begins its candidate selection process, emphasizing that no one would be compelled to step down.

 

“At the appropriate time, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down,” the statement said.

 

Addressing speculation that some opposition figures were urging him to yield to a southern candidate, Atiku dismissed the claims, noting that opposition leaders have rallied around the ADC to build a credible national alternative to the APC.

 

He further accused agents aligned with the presidency of trying to destabilize the ADC and interfere with its presidential nomination process.

 

Atiku also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, holding it responsible for worsening economic hardship and shrinking the country’s political space. “If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu,” he said.

 

He vowed that the ADC would maintain an open, transparent, and competitive selection process, warning that intimidation or sabotage would not derail opposition efforts. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” the statement concluded.

 

This statement reinforces the growing expectation that the 2027 ADC presidential primaries will be fiercely contested, with both Atiku and Peter Obi considered leading aspirants.