Democracy Under Threat: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot To Exclude ADC From 2027 Ballot

0

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over what he described as an alleged coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling establishment to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process by preventing the ADC from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, in a statement on Monday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said he had received what he described as credible information suggesting that fresh political and legal moves were being orchestrated to keep the ADC off the ballot.

According to the former Vice President, the alleged plot is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the opposition by targeting the ADC, which he described as the country’s most credible alternative political platform.

“We are fully aware of these alleged plots. While efforts are being made to create confusion within the opposition, the ultimate target is the ADC because it has emerged as the strongest alternative in the political landscape,” he said.

Atiku called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to remain vigilant and defend the nation’s democracy, warning against any attempt to determine which opposition parties should be allowed to participate in the elections.

“Our message to those behind these alleged plans is clear: democracy belongs to the people. If the APC is confident in its popularity, it should have nothing to fear from a free and fair contest,” he stated.

Although he expressed hope that the reported plans would not materialise, Atiku said recent political developments made it difficult to dismiss the warnings.

He alleged that democratic institutions have increasingly come under political pressure, with legal processes, administrative actions and other state mechanisms being deployed in ways that could undermine electoral competition.

“The pattern has become familiar. Institutions expected to remain neutral are drawn into partisan contests, litigation gains unusual momentum, administrative powers are selectively exercised, and political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Ultimately, democracy becomes the casualty,” he said.

The former Vice President further alleged that the opposition had faced sustained pressure in recent months, including attempts to instigate internal crises, legal challenges and administrative actions aimed at weakening the ADC.

He argued that such political preoccupations were occurring at a time when Nigerians were grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

“The focus of government should be on addressing the pressing challenges facing citizens rather than engaging in political manoeuvres,” he added.

Atiku maintained that the growing popularity of the ADC should be met through democratic competition rather than intimidation or institutional interference.

“The appropriate response to a popular political movement is to present better ideas before the electorate. Democracies are decided at the ballot box, not through political engineering or the misuse of state institutions,” he said.

He warned that any attempt to exclude the ADC from the electoral process would amount to a serious challenge to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

“No government has the constitutional authority to decide which political party Nigerians may vote for. Sovereignty resides with the people, and the ballot remains the foundation of democratic governance,” he stated.

The former Vice President also appealed to the judiciary to remain independent and faithful to its constitutional responsibilities, urging judicial officers to resist external influence in the discharge of their duties.

He further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy thrives only when citizens remain vigilant. Every Nigerian who believes in constitutional democracy must pay close attention to unfolding events,” he said.

Atiku concluded by expressing confidence that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or legal action would diminish the resolve of Nigerians who support the ADC.

“The desire for change cannot be outlawed. Hope cannot be deregistered. Democracy cannot be subverted through administrative actions. Ultimately, the will of the Nigerian people will prevail,” he said.