Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that there are fresh attempts to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku claimed that elements within President Bola Tinubu’s administration were using political and legal means to keep the ADC off the ballot.

He urged party members, supporters and Nigerians to resist any attempt to determine which opposition parties should be allowed to contest the elections.

According to Atiku, the ADC remains the most credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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,” he said.

The former vice president called on Nigerians to defend the country’s democratic process and reject any move to undermine opposition parties.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defence of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election,” the statement added.

Addressing the ruling party, Atiku said, “Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed. If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and the APC had not publicly responded to Atiku’s allegations.