Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that there are fresh moves by individuals within the ruling establishment to prevent his party from participating in the 2027 general election through political and legal manoeuvres.
Atiku made the allegation on Monday in Abuja in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the former vice president, he has received what he described as credible intelligence suggesting that renewed efforts are underway to keep the ADC off the ballot ahead of next year’s election. He claimed the development reflects a coordinated campaign by anti-democratic forces within the ruling party aimed at weakening the opposition.
Questioning the motives behind the alleged actions, Atiku argued that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) is genuinely confident of its popularity among Nigerians, it should have no reason to fear the growing influence of the ADC, which he described as the country’s most viable alternative political platform.
He further claimed that there was a familiar pattern in the way opposition parties were being targeted, alleging that institutions expected to remain impartial were being drawn into partisan disputes. He also alleged that frivolous lawsuits were being encouraged, administrative powers selectively applied and political pressure exerted behind the scenes to frustrate opposition activities.
The former vice president accused the ruling administration of prioritising political calculations over addressing the country’s pressing challenges. He argued that while Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation, economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power, those in government appear more focused on protecting their political interests than solving national problems.
Atiku warned that any attempt to exclude the ADC from the electoral process would amount to a serious violation of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, stressing that no government has the legal authority to decide which political parties citizens are allowed to vote for.
He maintained that the sanctity of the ballot must be protected, insisting that efforts to manipulate the electoral process constitute an attack on democratic governance. According to him, the desire of Nigerians for political change cannot be suppressed through administrative or legal measures.
The former vice president also appealed to the judiciary to uphold its constitutional responsibilities by resisting any form of external interference, reminding judicial officers of the importance of maintaining independence and protecting the rule of law.
In addition, Atiku called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and members of the international community to remain vigilant and ensure that no actions capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of the 2027 electoral process are allowed to prevail.