…accuses Tinubu of plotting one-party state
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has foreclosed the possibility of stepping aside from the 2027 presidential race, declaring that any call for his withdrawal is a betrayal of the Nigerian people and a boost to authoritarian ambitions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively working to turn Nigeria into a de facto one-party state by systematically weakening opposition parties.
The statement comes amidst political realignments, with the Atiku camp confirming that key opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the new nucleus of a credible national alternative.
Ibe dismissed insinuations that Atiku should step down for a younger candidate within the emerging coalition, insisting that the ADC remains committed to an open and competitive selection process.
“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. 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 read.
Addressing the state of the nation, the media office described the last three years under President Tinubu as one of the harshest periods in recent history, characterized by punishing economic policies and a shrinking democratic space.
The statement alleged that agents aligned with the Presidency are attempting to destabilize the ADC by dictating its internal affairs.
“Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilize the ADC from the outside issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.”
“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve,” Ibe stated.
The statement also officially confirmed the defection of Peter Obi to the ADC, noting that his public declaration of membership in Enugu has unsettled the ruling party.
“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident,” the statement noted.
Ibe maintained that the ADC is currently focused on building strong structures across wards and local governments, warning disruptors to allow the party to work.
Firing a direct salvo at the President, the Atiku media office stated: “When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu whose leadership has become a national liability.”
The camp reiterated its determination to end what it termed the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC, vowing that Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.
