The National Chairman of the Action Congress (AC) Bisi Akande has said the party's presidential flag bearer; Vice President Atiku Abubakar will not step down for the All Nigerian People Party (ANPP) candidate, Gen. Muhamamadu Buhari in the presidential election.

He dismissed speculations that Atiku might shelve his presidential plans following his travail, especially the presidential declaration that he was no longer the Vice President.

According to Akande, in spite of his current ordeal, Atiku will return to the country to begin campaign as the party's flag bearer.

He said: "Atiku has said that he would not step down for Buhari, and the AC remains solidly behind him as our presidential candidate."

Akande's statement has fuelled fears in some quarters that the alliance between the ANPP and AC has crumbled.

A source close to the alliance told Daily Trust that it was obvious that the alliance has reached a "stage where it may no longer be feasible considering that both flag bearers have carried on as if there was no alliance. They are both pursuing their ambitions and none of them appears ready to step down for the other."

The alliance was entered into last year with the overall goal of producing a consensus candidate that would match the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the general election.

But according to Akande the alliance is not in danger. He said: "for the avoidance of doubt, we remain committed to our alliance with the ANPP, and talks have been fixed for January 9th 2007 to move the alliance forward."

Observers are however of the opinion that the candidature of Atiku may not be acceptable by the alliance in view of the EFCC indictment and the ongoing PTDF probe, noting that Buhari's candidature presents more cleaner credentials for the race.

Debunking such views Akande said "Atiku Abubakar is not under threat of being ineligible to run for the presidency of our great country. His so called indictment by a kangaroo panel has been set aside by a court of competent court, and we remain solidly behind him."

Atiku, who recently made his declaration, has since picked a running mate for the presidential race. He is currently vacation in the United States. His aides have confirmed that on returning, Atiku plans to embark on campaigns around the country.

Buhari has also picked a running mate in the person of the ANPP National Chairman, Edwin Ume Ezeoke and has embarked on nationwide consultations.