ADC urges APC to settle political rivalry at the ballot box ahead of 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly challenged the ruling All Progresses Congress (APC) to resolve their political contest through the ballot box rather than through judicial maneuvers. The appeal was made by Senator Austin Akobundu, director‑general of the ADC presidential campaign council, who said the party’s presidential candidate, former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, received enthusiastic welcomes in Sokoto and Kebbi states respectively.

Akobundu’s statement, issued on 9 November 2026, accused the federal government and the APC‑led administration of attempting to exclude the ADC from the upcoming 2027 general election by means of a “backdoor court process”. He urged the ruling party to allow a free and fair election, insisting that Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders without intimidation, obstruction or interference.

The ADC campaign chief also called for calm among supporters, urging continued grassroots mobilisation and peaceful campaigning. He reiterated the party’s platform of affordable living, opportunity and national renewal, and thanked residents who welcomed the ADC candidates in the northern states.

Background

The ADC’s challenge comes amid heightened political tension as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election. The party’s presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi has been touring the country, with notable receptions in Sokoto and Kebbi cited by Akobundu as evidence of growing public enthusiasm for an alternative to the APC. The ADC alleges that the APC and the federal government are using the judiciary to block its participation, a claim reflected in both the AllAfrica and Vanguard reports.

According to both accounts, the ADC’s objections center on what the organization characterizes as covert legal maneuvers designed to disqualify the party from the election. The statements were released on the same day, confirming a coordinated communication strategy by the ADC.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the stakes of Nigeria’s 2027 election, where the ADC seeks to position itself as a viable opposition force. If the APC were to succeed in limiting ADC participation through court actions, it could affect the competitiveness of the election and the range of choices available to voters. Conversely, a free and fair contest, as demanded by the ADC, would allow the electorate to assess the party’s platform of affordable living and national renewal against the incumbent’s record.

The reactions from the ADC suggest that the party intends to maintain its campaign momentum despite alleged legal obstacles, aiming to mobilise grassroots support across the country. The emphasis on peaceful campaigning underscores concerns about potential political violence or intimidation.

What happens next

The ADC has indicated that it will continue its nationwide outreach and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election. No specific legal proceedings or court dates were detailed in the sources, but the party’s call for a free election implies that any pending judicial actions could become a focal point of political debate as the election draws nearer.

The ADC’s challenge to the APC sets the tone for the pre‑election period, with both parties expected to intensify their campaigns and possibly confront each other in the courts. Observers will be watching how the alleged “backdoor” judicial processes unfold and whether they influence the final candidate list for the 2027 poll.