ADC Alleges Plot to Keep Party Off 2027 Ballot; Running Mate Warns of Result Sheet Theft

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarm over what he describes as a fresh, coordinated effort by elements within the ruling establishment to undermine the democratic process and prevent Nigerians from freely choosing their leaders in the upcoming 2027 general election. Abubakar alleges that political and legal maneuvers are being employed to exclude the ADC from the ballot.

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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.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar stated that the ADC is aware of plots aimed at sowing confusion among the opposition, with the ultimate goal of targeting the ADC as the most credible alternative. He asserted that the ruling party is terrified of the ADC's potential, questioning why they would fear the party if they were confident in their own popularity.

Abubakar warned that the pattern of manipulating institutions, initiating frivolous litigations, selectively deploying administrative powers, and applying political pressure behind closed doors is a familiar path that ultimately casualties democracy. He urged all Nigerians, not just ADC members, to actively defend democracy and resist any attempts by the ruling party to dictate which opposition parties are allowed to participate in the election.

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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?

Adding to the concerns, ADC's running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused politicians of stealing result sheets at the unit level during elections. He highlighted that this act puts the lives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff at risk. Amaechi advised voters to remain at polling stations until results are counted and cautioned against leaving, as this is when outcomes can be tampered with. He specifically warned that politicians who steal result sheets do so at the peril of the ad-hoc staff of INEC.

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On the day of election in your Ward and in your Unit, you finish voting, you stand for the counting. I have been a politician all my