By SUNTV Global Channel
January 7, 2026 | News
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly dismissed calls for him to abandon his presidential ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that he remains fully committed to the 2027 race and insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not opposition figures, should step aside in the interest of Nigeria.
Atiku made his position clear in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, amid growing speculation that he is facing pressure to withdraw in favour of a southern candidate ahead of the next general election.
The former Vice President accused the Tinubu-led administration of orchestrating a deliberate strategy to weaken opposition parties and impose what he described as a “creeping one-party state” on the country.
‘Nigeria Has Endured Unprecedented Hardship’
According to Atiku, calls for him to step down are not motivated by national interest but are part of a broader plot designed to protect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from a strong and united opposition.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history—an era defined by punishing economic policies, deepening poverty, and a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Atiku said.
He described the current administration as a growing national liability, alleging that the Presidency is actively undermining opposition parties to secure an easy path to re-election in 2027.
“True to form, this administration has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state,” he added.
ADC as ‘National Rescue Platform’
Atiku said the systematic weakening of opposition parties remains what he called the most troubling legacy of the Tinubu administration, arguing that the APC now dominates the political space “by default, not by merit.”
He explained that this danger prompted patriotic leaders across the country to rally around the ADC as a credible national alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria from misgovernance.
“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,” he stated.
His remarks come amid renewed political realignments following the formal entry of former Anambra State governor and ex–Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the ADC—an event that has intensified opposition momentum nationwide.
There have also been reports of possible strategic talks involving Atiku and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but Atiku made it clear that no arrangement would involve him stepping aside.
‘No One Is Stepping Down’
Rejecting suggestions that he should withdraw his ambition, Atiku warned that such calls amount to an attack on democracy and play directly into the hands of authoritarian tendencies.
“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,” he said.
“Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”
He stressed that the ADC would adopt an open, transparent, and competitive process in selecting its presidential candidate, free from intimidation or external interference.
“At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures across the country. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference,” he said.
‘If Anyone Should Step Aside, It’s Tinubu’
Atiku further pointed to Peter Obi’s recent declaration of ADC membership in Enugu as evidence that the ruling party fears a united opposition.
He alleged that Obi’s move triggered “open boasts” by government officials about plans to destabilise the ADC.
“Their fear is evident,” Atiku said. “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.”
Reiterating his stance, Atiku concluded emphatically that he will not withdraw from the 2027 race.
“No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability,” he declared.
As the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum, Atiku’s statement signals a fierce political battle ahead, with the ADC positioning itself as the central platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling APC.
