The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to allow a free and fair election, accusing the ruling party of using court processes to undermine its participation in the 2027 presidential contest.
The Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Austin Akobundu, made the call while reacting to the massive reception accorded the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, during rallies in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
Akobundu described the large turnout as evidence of growing public enthusiasm for the ADC campaign and Nigerians' determination to have a say in the country's political future.
He hailed party supporters and Nigerians who came out to welcome the candidates, describing the rallies as a resounding show of popular support.
The ADC campaign DG, however, challenged the Federal Government and the APC-led administration to demonstrate their confidence by allowing Nigerians to freely decide their next leaders at the ballot box.
He alleged that the government's resort to a backdoor court process to stop the ADC had raised concerns about its willingness to participate in a genuinely competitive election.
“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 and using a backdoor court process to remove us from the contest,” he said.
Akobundu insisted that Nigerians must be allowed to listen to competing political ideas, attend campaign events and make their electoral choices without intimidation.
He urged ADC supporters to remain calm and resolute, calling on them to continue campaigning peacefully and confidently.
“The ballot must remain the people's choice, and every party must be allowed to campaign freely,” he added.
2027: ADC dares Tinubu, APC to face Atiku in free election after Sokoto, Kebbi rallies