BREAKING: Atiku Vows Never To Step Aside For Peter Obi As ADC Presidential Candidate In 2027
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said any call that he should “step aside” from the 2027 presidential race ‘is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.’
Atiku said this in obvious response to calls for his to drop out from the presidential race following official defection of the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as obidients had piled pressure on Atiku online to drop out of the presidential race for the former Anambra governor.
The Obidients have also vowed that they will not support ADC if Obi failed to get the presidential candidate of the party or was chosen as the running mate of Atiku. The former Vice President, Obi and former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi are the three chieftains of the ADC who have so far indicated their interest in the 2027 presidential ticket of the party.
However, Atiku in a statement signed by Paul Ibe, his media aide on Tuesday affirmed that he is central to efforts to kick out the ruling party from office and is effort, who according to him, has inflicted one of the harshest “periods in recent history—an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space,” on Nigerians.
“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.
“Perhaps the @officialABAT 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 accused ‘agents’ aligned with the Presidency of attempting to destabilize the ADC from the outside by issuing reckless prescriptions about the party’s internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.
“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. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to “step aside” is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people”
He further noted that 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 said.
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.”