By our Reporter
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Former Vice-President has rejected reports suggesting he may step aside for a southern candidate, insisting that no aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will withdraw from the party’s presidential race ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the polls. He affirmed that all qualified aspirants would contest freely once the ADC begins its candidate selection process, stressing 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 opposition figures were urging him to make way for a southern flagbearer, Atiku dismissed the claims, saying 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 attempting to destabilise the ADC and interfere with its presidential nomination process.
Atiku criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, calling it responsible for worsening economic hardship and narrowing political space. “If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu,” he said.
He vowed that the ADC would remain committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process, warning that intimidation or sabotage would not derail opposition efforts. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” the statement added.
