By David Odama
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over what he described as fresh moves to prevent his party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed he had received credible information that “anti-democratic forces” were working to ensure the ADC would not appear on the ballot. He warned that such attempts would pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku argued that the ADC has emerged as a strong opposition platform and has become a major target of political attacks. “We are aware of the plots. While they seek to create confusion within the opposition, their real target is the ADC because it represents a credible alternative,” he said.
He accused political leaders of focusing more on power struggles than addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including rising prices, unemployment, insecurity, and declining purchasing power. He stressed that governance should take priority over political battles.
Atiku also alleged that opposition parties were being weakened through court actions, administrative decisions, and political pressure, citing recent efforts to create leadership disputes within parties. He insisted that no government has the constitutional power to decide which political party Nigerians should vote for, warning that interference in the electoral process would amount to an attack on democracy.
He urged Nigerians to defend democratic values and resist any attempt to determine which parties should contest elections.
