ADC Challenges APC to Face It at Ballot Box, Accuses Ruling Party of Judicial Interference

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to test its popularity at the ballot box rather than allegedly using court processes to frustrate opposition participation in the 2027 general election.

The party’s Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Austin Akobundu, made the challenge while reacting to the reception given to ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in Sokoto State and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, in Kebbi State.

In a statement, Akobundu thanked residents and supporters who turned out to welcome the candidates, describing the gatherings as evidence of growing public interest in the party and its political alternative.

He accused the Federal Government and the APC-led administration of attempting to exclude the ADC from the 2027 electoral contest through what he described as a backdoor judicial process.

“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,” he said.

Akobundu insisted that political competition should allow Nigerians to listen to different political ideas, attend campaign rallies and freely choose their preferred candidates.

“The ballot must remain the people’s choice, and every party must be allowed to campaign freely,” he added.

He also urged ADC supporters not to be distracted by the political tensions, calling on them to maintain peaceful campaigns and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

“Let us continue to campaign peacefully and confidently, knowing that the people’s will must prevail,” he said.

The campaign council director-general said the ADC would continue taking its message of affordable living, economic opportunity and national renewal to Nigerians across the country.

His remarks come amid ongoing political and legal disputes surrounding the ADC’s leadership and participation in the 2027 elections. However, the statement did not identify the specific court proceedings he accused the ruling party of using to frustrate the opposition.