Atiku raises alarm over alleged plot to bar ADC from 2027 ballot

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that forces within the ruling establishment are working to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who said the former vice president had received information pointing to what he described as a coordinated effort to undermine the opposition.

According to Atiku, the alleged moves are targeted specifically at the ADC because of its growing profile as a major opposition platform ahead of the next presidential election.

He claimed that those behind the plan were using political and legal means to weaken the party, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared threatened by the ADC’s emergence.

“If the APC truly believes it enjoys the support of Nigerians, it should have no reason to fear the ADC. We are aware of the ongoing plots, and we believe the real target is our party because it offers Nigerians a credible alternative,” he said.

The former vice president alleged that institutions expected to remain neutral were increasingly being drawn into partisan politics through litigation, administrative decisions and other forms of political pressure.

He also criticised the Federal Government for allegedly prioritising political battles over addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

According to Atiku, Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, widespread insecurity, unemployment and declining purchasing power, yet those in authority are more focused on political survival than governance.

He warned that any attempt to stop the ADC from appearing on the ballot would constitute a serious violation of democratic principles and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

“No government has the authority to determine which political party Nigerians are allowed to vote for. The ballot belongs to the people, and any attempt to manipulate that process is an assault on democracy,” he stated.

Atiku urged the judiciary to remain independent and resist any pressure capable of compromising justice, stressing that history would judge those who allow political considerations to override the rule of law.

He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant and ensure that the electoral process remains credible and transparent.

The former vice president maintained that no amount of intimidation, legal challenges or political manoeuvring would deter the ADC or its supporters from pursuing what he described as the democratic aspiration of millions of Nigerians.