The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to test its popularity at the ballot in the 2027 general election, instead of using court processes to frustrate the opposition.
The challenge was issued by the Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Austin Akobundu, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Akobundu said the massive reception accorded the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto State, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, in Kebbi State, showed growing public support for the ADC and demand for an alternative political direction.
He accused the Federal Government and the APC-led administration of attempting to shut the ADC out of the contest through judicial means.
“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,” Akobundu said.
He stressed the need to protect democratic competition, insisting that Nigerians must be free to listen to competing ideas, attend rallies and choose their leaders without interference.
“The ballot must remain the people’s choice, and every party must be allowed to campaign freely,” he added.
Akobundu urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful, avoid distractions and sustain grassroots mobilization.
“Let us continue to campaign peacefully and confidently, knowing that the people’s will must prevail,” he said.
He said the party will continue to take its message of affordable living, opportunity and national renewal to Nigerians across the country, while thanking residents of Sokoto and Kebbi States for the warm reception given to its candidates.