ADC Presidential Ticket: No one is stepping down  —  Atiku

In a firm response to calls for a consolidated ticket, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the idea of any presidential aspirant stepping down within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Atiku rejected the notion that he or any other contender should withdraw to favor Peter Obi. This stance follows recent public comments from Obi’s allies, including Prof. Pat Utomi and Aisha Yesufu, who have reportedly pushed for Obi to lead the ticket rather than serve as a vice-presidential candidate.

Atiku characterized the pressure for him to “step aside” as a threat to the nation’s democratic health, labeling such calls a “gift to authoritarian ambition.” He argued that the primary purpose of the ADC is to foster a rescue mission for Nigeria through a competitive and transparent electoral process. The statement read: “Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to ‘step aside’ is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.” He maintained that the strength of the opposition lies in its adherence to democratic principles rather than forced consensus.

The former Vice President took the opportunity to criticize the Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing the APC of attempting to manufacture a de facto one-party state. He alleged that the ruling party has spent nearly three years shrinking the democratic space and systematically weakening opposition forces. According to Atiku, the ADC was specifically adopted as a platform of resistance to these trends, offering a credible alternative to the “punishing economic policies” that have defined the current era.

The statement also raised concerns about external interference, with Atiku alleging that individuals linked to the Presidency are attempting to destabilize the ADC. He warned that “APC proxies and external meddlers” are trying to influence the party’s internal selection process for its presidential flagbearer. He emphasized that the ADC is currently focused on building a robust grassroots structure nationwide and would not be intimidated or blackmailed by disruptors looking to sabotage their mission.

Drawing a hard line on the internal competition, Atiku insisted that the ADC would remain committed to an open process where all qualified aspirants are free to contest. He dismissed the prospect of any unilateral withdrawals, stating emphatically: “No one is stepping down.” He further noted that the coalition’s priority is to provide a rescue for Nigerians, and any attempts to force a specific candidate through backroom deals would undermine the very democracy they seek to protect.

In a sharp jab at the presidency, Atiku suggested that if anyone should be stepping aside for the good of the country, it should be President Tinubu himself. He described the current President as a “national liability” and argued that the real focus should be on ending the “misfortune” imposed by the APC government. By positioning Tinubu as the primary obstacle to national progress, Atiku sought to redirect the internal coalition pressure outward toward the ruling party.

The statement concluded with a warning against internal crisis, echoing sentiments from figures like Dele Momodu who have urged the ADC to avoid a “Wike Scenario” of fragmentation. Atiku reiterated that the party is on a “national rescue mission” and must remain focused on its ultimate goal of challenging the APC in 2027. He called on all supporters to allow the democratic process within the party to unfold naturally without further infiltration or pressure.

Ultimately, Atiku’s message serves as a declaration of his intent to see the primary process through to the end, regardless of the “Obidient” movement’s preferences. He remains resolute that the ADC’s survival as a genuine alternative depends on its ability to resist external and internal pressure to crown a candidate prematurely. As the 2027 race heats up, this refusal to yield sets the stage for a highly competitive primary season within the newly formed opposition coalition.