Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that there is a fresh plan by unnamed forces within the ruling establishment to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from participating in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed he had received credible information suggesting that political and legal strategies were being coordinated to keep the opposition party off the ballot.
According to the former vice president, the alleged move is part of a broader effort to weaken the opposition and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely choose their next leaders during the 2027 elections.
Atiku said the ADC has emerged as a strong alternative platform, insisting that attempts to stop the party from contesting would undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
He challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to face the opposition at the polls instead of allegedly resorting to political and legal tactics to weaken rival parties.
“If the APC is confident in its popularity, it should allow Nigerians to decide at the ballot box,” Atiku stated, adding that democracy should never be manipulated through administrative actions or court processes.
The ADC presidential candidate also alleged that neutral institutions are increasingly being drawn into political battles through what he described as frivolous lawsuits, administrative actions and other forms of political pressure aimed at opposition figures.
He argued that while Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living, those in power appear to be more focused on political survival than addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
Atiku warned that any attempt to prevent the ADC from participating in the election would amount to one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
He called on the judiciary, 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 free, fair and credible.
According to him, no government has the constitutional power to determine which political parties Nigerians can vote for, insisting that sovereignty belongs to the people.
Atiku expressed confidence that political intimidation and legal battles would not stop the growing support for the ADC, maintaining that Nigerians would ultimately decide the outcome of the 2027 election through their votes.
His comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures working to strengthen alliances in a bid to challenge the ruling APC.
Neither the Presidency, the APC nor INEC had responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
