reports that the party said the President should be “scared” of possible defeat, pointing to rising inflation, unemployment, debt burden, and worsening security across the country.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticised Tinubu’s recent comments mocking opposition parties, describing them as “unpresidential.”

The party argued that the President’s remarks reflected a disconnect from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, saying leadership should focus on solving hardship rather than politics.

According to the statement: “What Nigerians saw was not the confidence of a leader in control, but the anxiety of a President increasingly disconnected from reality.”

The ADC said issues such as food inflation, cost of living, and insecurity remain top concerns for citizens, while kidnappings and violence continue in many parts of the country.

It also faulted the President for allegedly prioritising political commentary over addressing national challenges.

The party dismissed claims that its national convention was poorly held, insisting such narratives were misleading and blamed restrictions on public venues for opposition gatherings.

It further accused the government of shrinking democratic space and weakening key institutions, including the legislature.

The ADC maintained that the worsening economic and security situation would strongly influence voters in 2027, adding that it is preparing to present a credible alternative focused on governance and recovery.

reports that Abdulkarim made the appeal during an interview on Trust TV on Friday, insisting that Atiku is unlikely to secure victory in the party’s primary election.

He argued that Atiku’s long years in politics should end with a dignified exit rather than another contest, saying stepping down would help preserve his legacy among younger Nigerians.

Abdulkarim further stated that ADC members should consider supporting a joint ticket between Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, pointing to their strong grassroots followership.

He said: “Atiku will be 80 years old next year. We don’t want to defeat him… we know he is not going to win, so we are giving him a soft landing to withdraw from the ADC presidential primary so he can look good in the eyes of young Nigerians.

“That way, his name can be honoured by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Timing is everything in politics, and this is the time of the South. Age is not on his side.

“We have very strong movements—the Obidient movement and the Kwankwassiyya movement. Those around him are not telling him what they are supposed to be telling him.”