…Says; Nigeria’s democracy under siege
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku warned that no amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail the rescue mission, just as he pointedly said that Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.
Atiku in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe noted that 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 Tinubu.
The statement stated that true to form, the administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship, but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives, adding that the objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.
Ibe further said; “Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing “achievement” has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit.
“Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.
“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.
“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 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,” he said.
Ibe also said that at present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide, stressing that disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do the essential work without interference.
He further said that the party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures, saying; “This inclusiveness —not coercion—is the soul of democracy”.
Ibe said that when the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely, stressing that no one is stepping down.
In the words of Ibe; “If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.
“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,” he noted.
