By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over what he described as a fresh and coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling establishment to deploy political and legal machinations to keep his party off the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku disclosed this on Monday in Abuja through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

The former Vice President said he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to exclude the ADC from next year’s election, describing the plot as “a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party”.

“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 (APC) is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?” Atiku queried.

He identified what he called a now-familiar pattern of assault on the opposition, warning that institutions meant to be neutral were being drawn into partisan contests, frivolous litigations were gaining unusual momentum, administrative powers were being selectively deployed, and political pressure was being mounted behind closed doors.

Atiku accused the ruling establishment of being consumed by the obsession with silencing the opposition at the expense of governance, saying that “at a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”

He warned that any attempt to prevent the ADC from participating fully in the electoral process would represent one of the gravest assaults on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy since the return to civil rule, stressing that no administration possessed the constitutional authority to determine which political party Nigerians were permitted to vote for.

“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,” Atiku declared.

The former Vice President called on the judiciary to remain faithful to its constitutional oath and resist every form of external pressure, reminding judicial officers that history had never been kind to those who sacrificed justice on the altar of political convenience.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations and the diplomatic community to remain vigilant against any action capable of undermining the credibility of the 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 said, assuring that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, judicial manipulation or political engineering would weaken the resolve of millions of Nigerians who had embraced the ADC as the vehicle for rescuing the nation.

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has said that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will be defeated in the 2027 general elections.

Dickson made this remark on Sunday while fielding questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.

He was speaking on the forthcoming next year’s general elections and the preparedness of the NDC for the polls.

“As leader of the NDC, and as a Nigerian, who knows the feelings and the yearnings of Nigerians, who also knows that their aspirations have not been met, we believe that the APC government, APC as a party and President Tinubu will be defeated massively.

“However, it’s not for one person to decide. It’s a decision for Nigerians, and that’s why you must open up the political space and not constrict it by contrived legal shenanigans using the judiciary to authenticate and legitimize what is morally reprehensible.

“My plea to the leadership of Nigeria’s judiciary, which is the pride of our nation, and the one that holds the balance, while we politicians can do the political struggle and INEC, is to please don’t allow desperate politicians to truncate our democracy,” he said.

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed confidence that the party will overcome its ongoing legal challenges, urging members and supporters to remain calm and committed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso gave the assurance on Sunday through a post on his official X platform following a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, at his Abuja residence.

According to the former Kano State governor, the meeting was part of broader consultations aimed at strengthening party unity, resilience and strategic preparations for the next electoral cycle.

“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” he wrote.

“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”

Kwankwaso stated that the party remained fully committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, while expressing confidence in the judicial process despite the legal issues confronting the party.

“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process. No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity, and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He further appealed to party faithful, supporters and Nigerians to remain steadfast and optimistic, insisting that the party would emerge stronger from the current situation.

“I urge all party members, supporters, and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute, and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge.

“Nigeria will be OK,” he added.