Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised thr alarm over an alleged fresh plot to keep the ADC off the ballot in the 2027 general election, warning of what he described as a coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling administration to manipulate the democratic process and deny Nigerians the right to freely choose their next President.
This came moments after former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, similarly alleged a plot by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary to remove the ADC from the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Monday.
In the statement, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to use political and legal machinations to keep the ADC off the ballot in 2027 general election.
He said there was a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party aimed at ensuring that the ADC is excluded from next year’s ballot.
“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.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.
“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed. If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku queried.
While noting that he sincerely hoped the information does not materialise, Atiku said recent developments have made it impossible to dismiss such warnings lightly.
“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests. Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed. Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty.”
He said Nigerians have watched over the past months as every conceivable tactic has been deployed against the opposition—from attempts to manufacture leadership crises, to judicial ambushes, administrative harassment, and calculated efforts to delegitimise the country’s fastest-growing political movement.
“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat. At a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”
Atiku stressed that the growing popularity of the ADC and the overwhelming support it continues to receive across the country should not be answered with intimidation or institutional sabotage.
“The proper response to a popular political movement is not suppression. It is to present superior ideas before the electorate. Democracies are won at the ballot box, not in back rooms, not through manipulated court processes, and certainly not through the abuse of state institutions.
“No administration has the constitutional authority to determine which political party Nigerians are permitted to vote for. Sovereignty belongs to the people—not to those who temporarily wield power. The ballot is sacred, and every attempt to tamper with it is an attack on the Republic itself.”
The former Vice President called on the judiciary to remain faithful to its constitutional oath and resist every form of external pressure, reminding judicial officers that history has never been kind to those who sacrificed justice on the altar of political convenience.
He also urged the INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, and all defenders of democracy to remain vigilant against any action capable of undermining 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. Every Nigerian who believes in constitutional rule must pay close attention to unfolding events.”
Atiku maintained that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, judicial manipulation, or political engineering would weaken the resolve of millions of Nigerians who have embraced the ADC as the vehicle for rescuing the nation.
“The desire for change can not be outlawed. Hope can not be deregistered. Democracy can not be subverted by administrative fiat. The will of the Nigerian people will prevail over every conspiracy, and history will ultimately judge those who seek to place personal ambition above the survival of our democracy,” he stated.
