Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over a purported government-led effort to exclude his party from the 2027 general elections ballot. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused elements within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of using political and legal tactics to suppress the ADC’s participation in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that such actions threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and must be resisted by all Nigerians.
Atiku’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s electoral framework. He stressed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be attempting to manipulate the political landscape by selectively allowing or disallowing opposition parties from contesting. According to Atiku, the ADC is specifically targeted because it is seen as the most credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections. “We are fully aware of their plots,” he stated, adding that while the government tries to create confusion within the opposition, its real aim is to neutralize the ADC.
The former vice president called on all Nigerians, not just ADC supporters, to stand up for democracy and reject any attempt to manipulate the electoral process. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and to resist any form of political exclusion. “Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed,” Atiku declared. He questioned the ruling party’s confidence in its own popularity, noting that if the APC truly believes in its mandate, it should not fear competition from the ADC.
Atiku’s statement highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces in Nigeria. The ADC, which fielded Atiku as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, continues to position itself as a major challenger to the APC. The party’s leadership insists it is prepared for the 2027 elections and will not be deterred by legal or political obstacles. The call for public support underscores the ADC’s strategy of mobilizing broader civic engagement to safeguard democratic rights.
As Nigeria approaches the next electoral cycle, the issue of party inclusion and electoral fairness will remain under close scrutiny. Atiku’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of an open and competitive political environment. The coming years will test Nigeria’s democratic resilience, and the outcome of these efforts may shape the country’s political future.
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