‘They’re coming for us’: Atiku warns of plot to keep ADC off 2027 polls
By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has raised concerns about a new effort by elements within the ruling establishment to use political and legal tactics to exclude his party from the ballot for the upcoming 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, conveyed the former Vice President’s claims. Atiku asserted that credible information suggests renewed attempts may be underway to prevent the ADC from participating in next year’s election. He characterized these efforts as a “coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements” within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are fully aware of their plots,” Atiku said, emphasizing that the ADC represents a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape. He challenged the APC’s confidence by questioning, “If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”
Atiku pointed to what he described as a troubling pattern of assaults on the opposition, warning that impartial institutions appear to be getting involved in partisan conflicts. He noted an increase in frivolous litigation, selective use of administrative powers, and political pressure tactics employed behind the scenes.
The former Vice President accused the ruling party of becoming consumed with efforts to silence the opposition, claiming that as Nigerians struggle with issues such as hunger, inflation, and insecurity, those in public office seem more focused on their political survival.
He cautioned that any effort to prevent the ADC from fully participating in the electoral process would constitute a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. Atiku emphasized that no administration has the authority to dictate which political parties Nigerians can support.
“The ballot is sacred, and any attempt to tamper with it is an attack on the Republic itself. The desire for change cannot be outlawed,” he stated.
Atiku urged the judiciary to uphold its constitutional obligations and resist external pressures, reminding judicial officers that history has often judged harshly those who trade justice for political convenience.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organizations, and the diplomatic community to remain vigilant against actions that could undermine the electoral process’s credibility.
“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty,” Atiku said, asserting that no intimidation or political maneuvering would deter the millions of Nigerians who support the ADC.
