Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he has credible information that moves are underway to block the African Democratic Congress, ADC, from contesting the 2027 general election.
In a statement released Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed that elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are using political and legal tactics to keep the ADC off the ballot.
“We’re watching their game plan,” Atiku said. “They’re trying to create chaos in the opposition, but the ADC is their main target because it’s the strongest alternative.”
Atiku urged Nigerians across party lines to resist any effort by the government to handpick which opposition parties can run.
“If the APC is confident in its support, why is it afraid of the ADC?” he asked. “You can plot in secret, but you won’t win. Democracy is settled at the polls, not in courtrooms or behind closed doors.”
He described a familiar pattern: neutral institutions being pulled into partisan fights, sudden court cases gaining speed, selective use of state power, and pressure applied away from public view. “Before you know it, democracy is the one that suffers,” he added.
‘Focus on Governance, Not Opposition’
The ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate accused the APC of prioritizing efforts to weaken rivals over tackling inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and the falling value of wages.
“The obsession with silencing opponents has pushed governance aside,” Atiku said. “While Nigerians struggle with hunger and insecurity, those in power seem more focused on staying in power.”
He argued that a popular movement like the ADC should be challenged with better policies, not intimidation. “If you’re strong, meet us at the ballot box,” he said. “Don’t try to deregister hope or outlaw the desire for change.”
Atiku called on the judiciary, INEC, security agencies, civil society groups, and international partners to guard the electoral process. He warned that blocking any party from participating would be a direct attack on constitutional democracy.
“Sovereignty belongs to the people, not to those temporarily in office,” he said. “The will of Nigerians will defeat every conspiracy, and history will judge those who put personal ambition above democracy.”
