Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that there is a fresh and coordinated effort by elements within the ruling establishment to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, claiming that he had received credible information suggesting that political and legal strategies were being deployed to keep the ADC off the ballot.
According to the former vice president, the alleged plan is aimed at weakening the opposition by excluding what he described as the most credible alternative to the ruling party.
“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,” Atiku said.
He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to defend the country’s democracy and resist any attempt to determine which opposition parties should be allowed to contest elections.
“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed. If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” he asked.
Atiku said he hoped the alleged plans would not materialise but argued that recent political developments made it difficult to dismiss the warning.
He alleged that institutions expected to remain neutral were increasingly being drawn into partisan politics through what he described as frivolous litigation, selective deployment of administrative powers and political pressure.
“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests. Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed. Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Atiku’s running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed concern over election malpractice, accusing politicians of stealing election result sheets at polling units.
Amaechi said the practice not only undermines the credibility of elections but also endangers the lives of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who are often exposed to violence during the process.
Neither the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nor INEC had officially responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
