ADC to APC: Test Popularity At Polls, Stop Court Blocks

• The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to compete fairly in the 2027 general election.
• Senator Austin Akobundu, ADC Presidential Campaign Council Director-General, accused the APC of attempting to block the ADC through "backdoor judicial processes."
• A Federal High Court ruling on November 5, 2026, nullified the ADC's leadership and Atiku Abubakar's presidential candidacy, a decision the ADC plans to appeal.
• Akobundu cited strong public receptions for ADC candidates Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi in Sokoto and Kebbi states as evidence of growing support.
• The ADC insists on the right of Nigerians to choose their leaders without intimidation or interference, advocating for free and fair elections.
• The party plans to continue campaigning peacefully, focusing on messages of affordable living, opportunity, and national renewal.

If the ruling All Progressives Congress genuinely believes in its ability to secure victory, it must permit a free and fair election, allowing Nigerians to choose their leaders without any form of intimidation or obstruction.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a direct challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging it to demonstrate its public support at the ballot box rather than through legal maneuvers. This call comes amidst accusations that the APC is attempting to impede the ADC's participation in the upcoming 2027 general election by leveraging court processes. The statement, delivered by Senator Austin Akobundu, who serves as the Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, underscores a growing tension in the political landscape.

Senator Akobundu highlighted what he described as significant public enthusiasm for the ADC, citing the substantial turnout for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto State, and for his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, in Kebbi State. According to Akobundu, these receptions are clear indicators of a public yearning for an alternative political direction and a reflection of the ADC's increasing popularity among the populace.

In his statement, Senator Akobundu directly accused the federal government and the APC-led administration of attempting to exclude the ADC from the political contest through what he termed a "backdoor judicial process," an accusation that comes shortly after a Federal High Court ruling on November 5, 2026, nullified the party's leadership and consequently Atiku Abubakar's presidential candidacy for the 2027 elections, a decision the ADC has vowed to appeal. He asserted that such actions are designed to stifle legitimate political competition and undermine democratic principles. The ADC's campaign chief emphasized that if the ruling All Progressives Congress genuinely believes in its ability to secure victory, it must permit a free and fair election, allowing Nigerians to choose their leaders without any form of intimidation or obstruction.

Akobundu further insisted that the APC must cease its efforts to "muzzle the political space" by using court procedures to remove the ADC from the electoral race. He stressed the fundamental importance of democratic competition, asserting that citizens must be free to engage with diverse political ideas, attend rallies, and select their leaders without interference. The integrity of the ballot, he argued, must be preserved as the ultimate expression of the people's will, ensuring every political party has the right to campaign freely and openly.

The ADC's leadership is resolute in its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process, advocating for an environment where all parties can compete on an equal footing. Senator Akobundu urged the party's supporters to remain focused and not be swayed by political tensions, calling for continued restraint and dedicated grassroots mobilization efforts. He expressed confidence that the will of the people would ultimately prevail, encouraging peaceful and confident campaigning.

The African Democratic Congress plans to continue its nationwide outreach, delivering its core message of affordable living, expanded opportunities, and national renewal to Nigerians across the country. Akobundu reiterated his gratitude to the residents and supporters in Sokoto and Kebbi states for their warm welcome to the ADC candidates, signaling the party's appreciation for the public's engagement and support as they prepare for the 2027 general election.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard