Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that no court ruling or political pressure will stop him from appearing on the ballot.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration while reacting to a recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the party’s leadership and his candidacy.
In a statement on Friday, the former vice-president challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to allow Nigerians to determine the outcome of the next presidential election through a free, fair and credible process.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying political pressure and court processes to weaken opposition parties, alleging that such moves were aimed at pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
He also raised concerns over the credibility of the voters’ register, alleging that attempts were being made to introduce artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
The ADC chieftain further criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, citing rising fuel prices, the depreciation of the naira, increasing food costs and the closure of businesses.
He also expressed concern over insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, as well as the growing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
Addressing his supporters, Atiku urged them not to lose hope, insisting that their votes remained the most important instrument for determining political leadership.
“Let me be clear to every Nigerian who has stood with us: I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot,” he said.
He challenged the ruling party to face the opposition at the polls, rather than rely on political influence to frustrate the contest.
“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” Atiku added.
The former vice-president also vowed to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must accommodate competing political voices.
The Federal High Court judgment followed a suit filed by a rival ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The ruling affected the David Mark-led leadership of the party and Atiku’s nomination for the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the judgment and indicated plans to challenge it at the appellate court.
