Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a firm declaration, stating he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest for anyone. The announcement, made on 6 January 2026, sets the stage for a major political showdown.
Accusations of a Plot for a One-Party State
In a strongly-worded statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku launched a direct attack on the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused them of attempting to foist a one-party state on Nigeria. The statement, titled 'Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat', alleges that agents aligned with President Bola Tinubu are meddling in the internal affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku claimed these agents are trying to destabilise the ADC from the outside by interfering in its choice of a presidential candidate. He described this as a direct threat to democratic opposition in the country.
The Battle for the ADC Presidential Ticket
The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate is not alone in seeking the ADC's nomination. Checks reveal that other prominent figures have also declared interest in the party's ticket. They include:
- Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
- Rotimi Amaechi, a former presidential aspirant on the APC platform.
Despite this crowded field, Atiku expressed confidence in the ADC's process. He noted that all contenders would submit themselves to a presidential convention. He said he has received assurances from the party's national leadership of a commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive selection process for its flagbearer.
A Firm Stance Against 'Authoritarian Ambition'
Atiku's statement took a definitive stand against any pressure for him to withdraw. It maintained that "any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people."
This declaration firmly plants Atiku's flag in the ground for the 2027 race, signalling his readiness to challenge what he perceives as an undermining of multi-party democracy. It positions the upcoming ADC primary as a critical battleground for the nation's opposition forces.
