Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged a coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling establishment to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said he had received credible information suggesting that efforts were underway to keep the ADC off the ballot.
He described the alleged move as “a coordinated onslaught 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.
Atiku claimed institutions expected to remain neutral were being drawn into partisan politics through what he described as selective administrative actions, politically motivated litigation and pressure behind the scenes.
He accused the ruling establishment of focusing on political survival instead of addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
According to him, any attempt to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 election would amount to a serious assault on constitutional 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,” he said.
The former vice president urged the judiciary to uphold its constitutional responsibilities and resist external influence, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant against actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
He maintained that no amount of intimidation, judicial manipulation or political pressure would deter supporters of the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
