Businessman Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder of His Wife in South Africa

'Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly rejected any suggestions that he or other aspirants should step down from contesting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. In a strongly worded statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on January 6, Atiku insisted that the party would maintain an open and competitive process, allowing all qualified candidates to vie freely for the nomination.The declaration comes amid growing speculation of pressure on Atiku to make way for a southern candidate, particularly following Peter Obi's recent high-profile move to join the ADC. Atiku dismissed such calls as politically motivated interference, warning that they play into the hands of those seeking to undermine opposition unity."Let it be clear: the ADC is on a mission to rescue the nation," the statement read. Atiku emphasized that he, along with other opposition figures, remains central to this effort, and any attempt—overt or covert—to push him aside would betray the Nigerian people and bolster authoritarian tendencies.Turning his fire on the current administration, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately weakening opposition parties through economic hardship and political maneuvering, risking a slide into a one-party state. He pointed to recent boasts from government officials after Obi's defection as evidence of their unease with a strengthening ADC.In a sharp rebuke, Atiku declared, "No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it's President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability." He highlighted nearly three years of punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under the APC government, urging Nigerians to resist intimidation.Atiku stressed that the ADC welcomes genuine opposition leaders and is focused on building strong structures nationwide. "Inclusiveness, not coercion, is the heart of democracy," he added, vowing that no sabotage would derail the party's goal of providing a credible alternative in 2027.As coalition-building intensifies, Atiku's stance signals a determined push to challenge the ruling party, with the former vice president positioning himself at the forefront of the opposition's resurgence.