Atiku Abubakar rejects calls to step aside for Peter Obi, affirming ADC will hold open presidential contest without external interference
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed calls for presidential aspirants in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to step down in favour of Peter Obi, insisting no contender will withdraw in the opposition coalition.
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Atiku made his position known on Tuesday through a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, amid mounting pressure from Obi’s supporters.
The calls intensified after some of Obi’s allies, including Prof. Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu, rejected suggestions that Obi should accept a vice-presidential role in the coalition.
Describing demands for him to step aside as “dangerous and harmful to Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of shrinking democratic space and deliberately weakening opposition parties to foster a creeping one-party state.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history — marked by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space,” the statement said.
Atiku further asserted that the ADC serves as a national platform for opposition leaders to present Nigerians with a credible alternative and resist authoritarian pressures.
He warned against interference from individuals linked to the Presidency, who he claimed are attempting to destabilise the party’s internal processes.
“Let it be stated clearly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission,” the statement read. “The party is committed to an open, transparent, and competitive process in choosing its flagbearer. APC proxies have no right to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic process.”
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The former vice president’s remarks reaffirm his determination to contest the ADC presidential ticket and maintain a competitive, transparent opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
