2027: ADC Tells APC to Face Opposition at Ballot, Rejects Alleged Courtroom Plot

ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop using judicial processes to allegedly undermine opposition participation in the 2027 general election, insisting that the ruling party should test its popularity at the polls.

Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Austin Akobundu, made the call while reacting to the growing political tensions surrounding the opposition party’s participation in the forthcoming elections.

Akobundu cited the large crowds that welcomed ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto State, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, in Kebbi State, as evidence of increasing public interest in the party and demand for a different political direction.

In a statement yesterday, he thanked residents and supporters who turned out to receive the candidates, while accusing the Federal Government and the APC-led administration of seeking to shut the ADC out of the electoral contest through what he termed a backdoor court process.

According to him, the ruling party should have confidence in its electoral chances and allow Nigerians to determine the outcome through a transparent and credible election.

“If the federal government and the APC believe they have the capacity to win, let them allow a free and fair election. Let Nigerians choose without intimidation, obstruction or interference.

“They must stop trying to muzzle the political space, using a backdoor court process to remove us from the contest,” he stated.

The ADC campaign chief maintained that a credible democracy depends on the freedom of political parties to present their ideas and engage voters without intimidation or obstruction.

He argued that Nigerians must be allowed to attend political gatherings, assess competing policies and freely decide who deserves their votes.

“The ballot must remain the people’s choice, and every party must be allowed to campaign freely,” he added.

Akobundu further appealed to party members and supporters to remain focused despite the political developments, urging them to sustain peaceful campaigns and intensify mobilisation at the grassroots.

“Let us continue to campaign peacefully and confidently, knowing that the people’s will must prevail,” he pleaded.

He reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to taking its campaign message of affordable living, greater opportunities and national renewal to communities across the country.

Akobundu also appreciated the people of Sokoto and Kebbi states for their overwhelming reception of the party’s presidential candidate and running mate.