Atiku warns of anti-democratic schemes to exclude party from 2027 ballot; urges judiciary, INEC, security agencies to remain vigilant

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has alleged that fresh attempts are underway to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general election through coordinated political and legal manoeuvres orchestrated by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement issued on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku disclosed that he had received “credible information” suggesting that anti-democratic forces were deploying institutional mechanisms to ensure the ADC’s exclusion from the 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,” Atiku stated. “If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”

Plot described as part of familiar pattern

Atiku articulated what he characterised as a recurring pattern of institutional manipulation targeting opposition parties.

“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.

He argued that this pattern had become evident across multiple recent political developments affecting opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governance neglected for political survival, Atiku alleges

The former vice-president accused the ruling party of prioritising political survival over governance.

“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat,” he stated.

“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 called for democratic competition rather than institutional suppression.

“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,” he said.

Constitutional democracy under assault, Atiku warns

The ADC presidential candidate warned that any attempt to exclude the party from the electoral process would constitute a grave assault on constitutional democracy.

“No administration has the constitutional authority to determine which political party Nigerians are permitted to vote for,” he stated.

“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.”

Atiku declared that fundamental principles of democracy cannot be circumvented through legal or administrative mechanisms.

“The desire for change cannot be outlawed. Hope cannot be deregistered. Democracy cannot be subverted by administrative fiat,” he said.

Call for institutional vigilance

Atiku urged multiple institutions to remain vigilant against actions that could undermine electoral credibility. He specifically called on the judiciary to remain faithful to constitutional oaths, INEC to maintain independence, security agencies to uphold their mandates, civil society organisations to monitor developments, and the diplomatic community to observe the electoral process.

“Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty. No amount of intimidation, blackmail, judicial manipulation or political engineering will weaken the resolve of millions of Nigerians who have embraced the ADC as the vehicle for rescuing the nation,” Atiku stated.

The allegations come amid heightened legal challenges facing opposition parties, including the recent Federal High Court ruling that set aside the NDC’s registration and the ongoing internal leadership crisis within the ADC itself.