Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that there are coordinated efforts to prevent his party from participating in the 2027 general election, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. The allegation was made on Monday in Abuja through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku said he had received what he described as credible information suggesting that some elements within the ruling establishment were working through political and legal channels to keep the ADC off the ballot ahead of next year’s election. According to him, the ADC 2027 election has become the target of what he described as a coordinated campaign by anti-democratic forces because the party represents a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative. If the All Progressives Congress (APC) is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku said.
The former vice president alleged that institutions expected to remain impartial were gradually being drawn into partisan political contests. He claimed that frivolous court cases, selective use of administrative powers and political pressure were being deployed against opposition parties.
Atiku further argued that government officials appeared more focused on political survival than addressing pressing national challenges. He said Nigeria continues to grapple with rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, hunger and declining purchasing power, adding that governance should remain the priority.
Speaking on the ADC 2027 election, Atiku warned that any attempt to prevent the party from participating in the electoral process would amount to a serious attack on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. “The ballot is sacred, and every attempt to tamper with it is an attack on the Republic itself. The desire for change cannot be outlawed. Hope cannot be deregistered. Democracy cannot be subverted by administrative fiat,” he stated.
He also urged members of the judiciary to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and resist any form of external influence, saying history would judge decisions that compromise justice for political interests.
Atiku called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and members of the diplomatic community to remain vigilant against actions capable of affecting the credibility of the electoral process. He urged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in defending democratic principles. “We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty,” he said.
The former vice president maintained that no level of intimidation, judicial manipulation, political pressure or administrative action would weaken the determination of supporters who have embraced the ADC 2027 election platform ahead of the next general election.
