Atiku warns of plot to keep ADC out of 2027 polls

By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar warned of a new, coordinated effort by elements of the ruling establishment to use political and legal tactics to exclude his party from the 2027 general election ballot.

He made the announcement on Monday in Abuja, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

Atiku said he had received credible information that renewed attempts might be underway to bar the ADC from next year’s election, calling the scheme “a coordinated onslaught by anti‑democratic elements within 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. If the All Progressives Congress is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku queried.

He pointed to a familiar pattern of attacks on the opposition, noting that supposedly neutral institutions were being drawn into partisan battles, frivolous lawsuits were gaining traction, administrative powers were being used selectively, and political pressure was being applied behind closed doors.

Atiku accused the ruling establishment of prioritising silencing the opposition over governance, saying that “at a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”

He warned that any attempt to prevent the ADC from fully participating in the electoral process would constitute one of the gravest assaults on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy since the return to civilian rule, stressing that no administration has the constitutional authority to decide which parties Nigerians may vote for.

“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,” Atiku declared.

The former Vice President urged the judiciary to uphold its constitutional oath and resist external pressure, reminding judges that history has never rewarded those who compromised justice for political convenience.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the diplomatic community to stay alert against any actions that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty,” Atiku said, assuring that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, judicial manipulation or political engineering would weaken the resolve of millions of Nigerians who had embraced the ADC as the vehicle for rescuing the nation.