Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly dismissed calls by members of the Obidient movement urging presidential aspirants within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to step aside for Peter Obi, insisting that no aspirant in the coalition will withdraw for another.
Atiku’s stance was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe.
The statement followed remarks by some of Obi’s allies, including Prof. Pat Utomi and Aisha Yesufu, who have publicly opposed the idea of Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot within the emerging opposition coalition.
Pushing back strongly against suggestions that he should step down, Atiku warned that such demands pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to ‘step aside’ is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” the statement declared.
The former vice president went further to accuse the administration of President Bola Tinubu of systematically eroding democratic space while intentionally undermining opposition parties. He alleged that these actions were aimed at entrenching what he described as a “creeping, de facto one-party state” in the country.
“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,” the statement said. It argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has actively sought to eliminate viable political alternatives by applying sustained pressure on opposition movements.
According to Atiku, the adoption of the ADC by opposition leaders was a deliberate response to these developments, positioning the party as a platform to challenge the ruling party and present Nigerians with a credible alternative. He claimed, however, that figures aligned with the Presidency were now attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal decision-making processes, particularly regarding the emergence of a presidential candidate.
“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission,” the statement said, emphasising that the party remains committed to “an open, transparent, and competitive process” in choosing its presidential flagbearer.
Atiku also cautioned against what he termed external interference, insisting that the party would not be intimidated or manipulated.
“APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve,” he said.
He explained that the ADC is currently concentrating on strengthening its grassroots presence across the country and urged what he referred to as “disruptors and infiltrators” to allow the process to proceed without obstruction.
Reiterating his position, Atiku made it clear that all qualified aspirants would have the opportunity to contest when the time comes, stating unequivocally, “No one is stepping down.”
He added that if anyone should consider stepping aside, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as “a national liability.” The former vice president concluded by reaffirming the ADC’s determination to confront the ruling party and “end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC.”
What you should know
Atiku Abubakar’s statement highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition coalition as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
While supporters of Peter Obi continue to push for a unified candidacy, Atiku and other ADC stakeholders insist on an open contest rather than consensus imposition. The disagreement reflects broader struggles within opposition politics, including concerns about external influence, internal democracy, and resistance to what critics describe as increasing political dominance by the ruling APC.
How the ADC manages these internal pressures may significantly shape the opposition’s strength ahead of the next general election.
