Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that there are renewed efforts by elements within the ruling establishment to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, claiming that the ADC had become the target of what he described as coordinated political and legal attacks.
According to the former vice president, he has received what he termed credible information suggesting that attempts are being made to exclude the opposition party from next year's polls.
He argued that the alleged moves were aimed at weakening the ADC because of its growing acceptance as an opposition platform.
"We are aware of the plots against our party. Those behind them may claim to be creating confusion within the opposition, but their real target is the ADC because they see it as the strongest alternative. If the APC is convinced of its popularity, it should have no reason to fear a free contest," Atiku said.
The former vice president alleged that institutions expected to remain impartial were gradually being drawn into partisan political contests through what he described as frivolous litigation, selective administrative actions and political pressure.
He further accused the ruling party of focusing more on political calculations than addressing Nigeria's pressing socio-economic challenges, including inflation, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
Atiku warned that any move to stop the ADC from taking part in the electoral process would amount to a serious threat to Nigeria's constitutional democracy.
He maintained that no government has the constitutional power to decide which political parties Nigerians are allowed to support at the polls.
"The ballot remains sacred, and any attempt to interfere with the people's right to choose their leaders is an attack on democracy. The desire for change cannot be outlawed, and democracy cannot be undermined through administrative actions," he stated.
The former vice president also appealed to the judiciary to uphold its constitutional responsibilities by resisting external influence and ensuring that justice prevails in matters relating to the electoral process.
He equally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and members of the international community to closely monitor developments and safeguard the integrity of the 2027 elections.
According to Atiku, Nigerians must remain vigilant in defending democratic values, insisting that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or legal manoeuvring would discourage those who have embraced the ADC as a platform for political change.
Leave a Reply