Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that no presidential aspirant will step down in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made it clear that all those interested in contesting on the platform of the party will be allowed to freely present themselves without pressure or intimidation.
Atiku stated this on Tuesday in a statement issued through his media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe. His remarks come amid growing political discussions and speculations about the 2027 presidential race, especially within opposition parties seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Atiku, the ADC is committed to internal democracy and will not force any aspirant to withdraw in favour of another, regardless of region or political background.
“There will be no stepping down by any aspirant. Everyone who has interest in contesting on the platform of the ADC will be given a fair opportunity to present themselves,” the statement said.
Atiku also called on Nigerians to resist what he described as attempts by the APC-led federal government to intimidate and weaken opposition parties. He warned that democracy can only survive when opposition voices are allowed to operate freely without fear or pressure.
His comments followed reports and public discussions suggesting that Atiku was under pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate ahead of the 2027 election. Some political analysts and groups have argued that for reasons of fairness and national balance, the presidency should remain in the South after President Tinubu’s first term.
Atiku, however, dismissed such talks, saying the focus should not be on zoning or stepping aside, but on competence, leadership ability, and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
He turned the argument around by stating that if anyone should step aside, it should be President Tinubu himself.
“If anyone should step down, it is President Bola Tinubu, whose leadership has become a growing national liability,” Atiku said.
He accused the current administration of poor governance, economic hardship, and shrinking democratic space, saying Nigerians have suffered greatly since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“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,” he added.
Atiku, who served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians. He has contested the presidency several times, including in 2019 and 2023, when he ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After the 2023 election, which Tinubu won, Atiku and other opposition candidates challenged the result in court, alleging irregularities. However, the courts upheld Tinubu’s victory.
In recent months, Atiku has been linked with talks of a possible coalition among opposition parties ahead of 2027. The ADC has been mentioned as one of the platforms that could be used for such an alliance, as smaller parties explore ways to unite against the APC.
The ADC, though not one of Nigeria’s major parties, has been positioning itself as an alternative platform that welcomes politicians from different backgrounds. Its leaders have repeatedly said the party is open to all aspirants who share its vision for Nigeria.
Atiku’s statement is seen by many observers as an early attempt to shape the narrative ahead of the 2027 election and to reassure his supporters that he is not under pressure to quit the race.
The issue of zoning, which involves rotating political offices between the North and South, has long been part of Nigeria’s political arrangement. Supporters say it promotes fairness and unity, while critics argue that it limits the choice of candidates and weakens democracy.
Atiku’s position suggests he believes competence and performance should matter more than geography, especially at a time when the country is facing serious economic and security challenges.
Nigeria is currently dealing with high inflation, rising food prices, unemployment, and a weakening currency. Many citizens have expressed frustration over the cost of living, following government policies such as fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms.
Atiku blamed the Tinubu administration for worsening the situation, saying its policies have placed heavy burdens on ordinary Nigerians.
He also raised concerns about what he described as shrinking democratic space, pointing to reports of pressure on opposition figures and institutions. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democracy.
Supporters of President Tinubu and the APC have, however, defended the government’s policies, saying the reforms are necessary to fix long-standing economic problems. They argue that the current hardship is temporary and will lead to long-term benefits.
As 2027 approaches, political activities are expected to increase, with more statements, alliances, and counter-statements from key players across party lines.
For now, Atiku’s declaration sends a clear message that he is not backing down from the political stage. It also signals that the ADC presidential race, if it becomes a major opposition platform, will likely be open and competitive.