Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ruled out stepping down in the race for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket, while accusing President Bola Tinubu of alleged interference in the internal affairs of the opposition coalition.
Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate and weaken the opposition.
The former Vice President’s comments came amid speculation that he is facing pressure to step aside for a southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer in the upcoming election against President Bola Tinubu.
But while rejecting any call to step down from the presidential race, Atiku accused Tinubu of deliberately weakening the opposition parties in order to have a smooth sail in 2027.
He accused Tinubu of misgovernance, labelling his administration a growing national liability.