Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that forces within Nigeria’s ruling establishment are plotting to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in Abuja on Monday, Atiku claimed that the party had become the target of what he described as a coordinated campaign by anti-democratic actors.
According to him, those behind the alleged plot are attempting to destabilize the opposition because they view the ADC as the strongest alternative ahead of the next general election.
“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 said.
The former vice president further accused the ruling establishment of deploying political and legal strategies to weaken opposition parties, alleging that institutions expected to remain neutral were being drawn into partisan contests.
He warned that any attempt to interfere with the electoral process would undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” he stated.
Atiku called on the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, and members of the international community to remain vigilant against actions capable of compromising the credibility of the 2027 elections.
He also urged Nigerians to remain alert, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens actively defend it.
“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty,” he added.
