Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged a fresh plot by forces within the ruling establishment to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from appearing on the ballot in the 2027 general election.
The News Chronicle reports that Atiku, the ADC’s presidential candidate, raised the alarm in Abuja on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
He described the alleged plan as a “coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party,” accusing the government of targeting the ADC because it has emerged as the strongest opposition platform.
“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. If the All Progressives Congress is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku said.
The former vice president further accused the ruling establishment of deploying political and legal strategies to weaken the opposition, alleging that independent institutions were being drawn into partisan battles.
Describing the ballot as the foundation of democracy, Atiku warned that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process would amount to an assault on the nation’s democratic values.
“The ballot is sacred, and every attempt to tamper with it is an attack on the Republic itself. The desire for change cannot be outlawed. Hope cannot be deregistered. Democracy cannot be subverted by administrative fiat,” he stated.
He called on the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, and the diplomatic community to resist any action capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 electoral process.
“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy flourishes only when citizens refuse to be indifferent. Eternal vigilance remains the price of liberty,” Atiku added.
