By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that no presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will step down, adding that all aspirants will present themselves freely.
He made the declaration in a statement released on Tuesday, January 6, by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, entitled ‘Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat.’
Atiku’s statement became necessary following speculations that, apart from him, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who recently joined the ADC, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, have also declared interest in the ADC ticket.
There are also speculations that Atiku is facing pressure to step aside for a Southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s candidate in the 2027 general election.
The former Vice President accused the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of meddling in the choice of the ADC presidential candidate, and called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the APC to intimidate and weaken the opposition.
Atiku added that if anyone should step down, it is President Bola Tinubu, whose leadership he described as a growing national liability.
Atiku further noted the ADC is committed to ending the purported misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission.
