Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no presidential aspirant will be compelled to step down during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, insisting that all contenders will be allowed to freely present themselves for the party’s ticket.
Atiku made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe. He dismissed speculations suggesting that some aspirants, including himself, may be pressured to withdraw in favour of a particular candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the former vice president, the ADC remains committed to internal democracy and fair competition, stressing that the party’s primary process will be open, transparent, and inclusive.
Atiku also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and weaken opposition parties. He warned that such actions pose a threat to democratic growth and political pluralism in the country.
His comments come amid growing speculation that Atiku is facing pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer in the 2027 election, where the party is expected to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reacting to the speculation, Atiku maintained that the focus should not be on who steps down within the opposition, but rather on addressing what he described as the failures of the current administration.
He argued that if any candidate should consider stepping aside, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as a “growing national liability.”
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history,” Atiku said. “This era has been defined by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Atiku’s statement has further intensified political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition parties begin early positioning and internal consultations on how best to challenge the ruling party.
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