He described any move to prevent the opposition party from contesting the election as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
The allegation was contained in a statement released on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. According to the statement, Atiku said he had received “credible information” indicating that political and legal strategies were allegedly being coordinated to keep the ADC off the ballot ahead of the next general election.
He argued that the alleged plan was part of broader efforts to weaken opposition parties and deny Nigerians the opportunity to freely elect their preferred leaders.
“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,” Atiku said.
Calling on Nigerians across political divides to defend democracy, Atiku urged citizens to reject what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to determine which opposition parties should be allowed to contest elections.
“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?” he asked.
Although he expressed optimism that the alleged plot would not succeed, Atiku maintained that recent political events had made such concerns difficult to ignore.
He claimed there was an emerging pattern in which institutions expected to remain impartial were increasingly becoming involved in political disputes, while legal actions, administrative decisions and political pressure were allegedly being used against opposition figures.
“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests. Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed. Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty,” he said.
The former vice president also accused the ruling party of placing greater emphasis on political survival than addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic and security challenges.
“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat.
“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,” the statement read.
Atiku further insisted that if the ADC’s popularity was growing, the appropriate response should be democratic competition rather than institutional interference.
“The proper response to a popular political movement is not suppression. It is to present superior ideas before the electorate.
“Democracies are won at the ballot box, not in back rooms, not through manipulated court processes, and certainly not through the abuse of state institutions,” he said.
He warned that preventing the ADC from taking part in the 2027 election would constitute one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
Atiku also appealed to the judiciary to remain independent and resist political interference. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments capable of undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“No administration has the constitutional authority to determine which political party Nigerians are permitted to vote for.