Olushola Omogbehin
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has finally revealed his mind to the public on the debate around the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku disclosed that no aspirant in the ADC presidential race will be forced to step down for another because every qualified candidate is free to pursue his ambition in the party.
Atiku in his statement also urged Nigerians to resist what he called deliberate attempts by President Tinubu to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
Atiku’s statement was a reaction to the growing speculation that he is under pressure to step down in favour of a Southern candidate following the recent defection of the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi to ADC.
Describing President Tinubu’s leadership as a burden to the country, he blamed his administration for worsening economic hardship and said the real person who should step aside is President Tinubu.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 Tinubu 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 as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.
“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, Atiku stated.”
According to him, ADC is currently focused on building its grassroots structures across wards, local governments, and states nationwide.
“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.”
Speaking on Peter Obi’s public declaration of ADC membership, Atiku said:
“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.”
