Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed calls for him to withdraw from the race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket and accused President Bola Tinubu of allegedly interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku urged Nigerians to resist what he described as attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 election.
His remarks followed speculation that he was being pressured to step aside for a southern aspirant as the ADC prepares to choose its presidential candidate to face Tinubu.
The development comes after former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, formally joined the ADC, amid reports that Atiku may be considering a joint ticket with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Obi, Mark, Oyegun Warn Tinubu Against One-party State
Rejecting any suggestion that he should quit the race, Atiku accused President Tinubu of deliberately undermining opposition parties to clear the path for the APC.
He described the Tinubu administration as a growing national liability, citing alleged economic hardship and shrinking democratic space.
According to him, the government has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate viable alternatives and move the country toward what he called a de facto one-party state.
Presidency Interfering With ADC’s Affairs
Atiku alleged that elements aligned with the Presidency were attempting to destabilise the ADC by meddling in its internal processes.
He insisted that the ADC remains committed to a transparent primary election and warned that calls for him to step aside serve only authoritarian ambitions.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Mass Pardon ‘Emboldens Criminality’ – Atiku
He added that the party is focused on strengthening its structures nationwide and will not allow intimidation or sabotage to derail its mission.
Atiku maintained that all opposition figures are welcome in the party, stating that no aspirant would be forced out of the contest.
He said the ADC is determined to end what he termed the misfortunes brought by the Tinubu-led APC, declaring that Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
