Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to intimidate opposition politicians and weaken democratic structures in Nigeria.
Atiku made the allegation shortly after emerging as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, claiming that the APC-led government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and some elements within the judiciary were working together to suppress opposition parties and pressure politicians into joining the ruling party.
The former Vice President said many opposition parties across the country were currently facing internal crises allegedly orchestrated by the government and its allies.
He also alleged that opposition politicians were being targeted through security agencies and anti-corruption bodies in a bid to silence dissenting voices.
Citing the case of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku claimed the politician had remained in detention for three months despite court orders granting him bail.
According to him, El-Rufai was unable to celebrate major religious holidays with his family and could not be with his mother before her death.
“This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said.
He further alleged that politicians under investigation or prosecution often receive relief after defecting to the APC.
“Once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges against them magically disappear,” he alleged.
Atiku also warned against any interference in the affairs of the ADC coalition by the Presidency, INEC, or the judiciary, insisting that such actions would be resisted.
The ADC candidate described the coalition as a product of sacrifices and compromises by opposition leaders determined to protect Nigeria’s democracy, which he said had come under serious threat since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
Calling for unity within the coalition, Atiku appealed to aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders to put aside their differences ahead of the elections.
He specifically urged former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to work with him in what he described as a collective effort to rebuild the country and safeguard democracy.
Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket after defeating Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary election.
According to the final results announced by the party, Atiku polled 1,855,787 votes, while Amaechi received 509,397 votes and Hayatu-Deen garnered 180,903 votes.
The total votes cast stood at 2,546,457 out of the party’s 3,113,599 registered members eligible to participate in the exercise.
