Atiku alleges plot to block ADC from 2027 race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to stop the African Democratic Congress, ADC, from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, who was named as the presidential candidate of the ADC in the report, alleged that some elements within the ruling establishment were working through political and legal channels to keep the party off the ballot.

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

According to him, credible information available to his camp suggested that fresh moves were being made to frustrate the ADC ahead of the next general election.

Atiku described the alleged plot as a coordinated attack 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,” he said.

He also questioned why the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, would be concerned about the ADC if it was truly confident of its popularity.

Atiku alleged that the latest development followed what he called a familiar pattern of pressure against the opposition.

He claimed that neutral institutions were being dragged into partisan battles, while frivolous litigations, administrative actions and political pressure were being deployed to weaken the opposition ahead of 2027.

The former Vice President accused the ruling establishment of focusing more on political survival than on the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said it was disturbing that, at a time citizens were battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity and weak purchasing power, those in power were allegedly more concerned about silencing the opposition.

Atiku warned that any attempt to stop the ADC from taking part in the electoral process would amount to a serious attack on Nigeria’s democracy.

He said no government had the constitutional power to decide which political party Nigerians should be allowed to 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 said.

He called on the judiciary to remain firm and resist any form of external pressure.

Atiku also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments 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,” he said.

He insisted that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, judicial manipulation or political engineering would weaken those who had embraced the ADC as a platform for political change.