Atiku Defies ADC Court Ruling, Says He Will Remain in 2027 Presidential Race

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will not abandon his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election despite a court judgment challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his nomination.

Atiku made his position known in a statement on Friday, arguing that the ruling nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the party does not reflect the wishes of Nigerians.

He maintained that neither the court decision nor other political developments would prevent him from participating in the forthcoming presidential election.

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he said.

“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

The former vice-president accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties through political intimidation, court interventions and other alleged tactics.

Atiku further claimed that there were efforts to compromise the integrity of the voters’ register by introducing “AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities”.

He argued that the alleged activities were intended to frustrate credible political competition and move the country towards a one-party state.

Challenging the ruling party, Atiku said its political strength should give it no reason to avoid a transparent electoral contest.

“Those who boast of having thirty-two governors and claim to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties into their fold should have no reason to fear a free and fair contest,” he said.

Atiku also took aim at the Tinubu government’s economic and security policies, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, naira depreciation, rising food costs and increasing insecurity as evidence of the administration’s shortcomings.

He lamented that businesses were closing down, young Nigerians were relocating abroad in search of better prospects, and communities remained exposed to banditry and kidnapping.

“Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” he stated.

Reassuring his supporters, Atiku insisted that he remained committed to the presidential contest and would not be intimidated into stepping aside.

“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 added: “No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”

The former vice-president promised to oppose any move towards a one-party political arrangement and urged the ruling party to test its popularity through a credible election.

“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” he said.

He further maintained that his campaign would focus on addressing the cost-of-living crisis and making life more affordable for Nigerians.

Atiku concluded with a warning to the President, saying: “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”

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