Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has vowed to continue his 2027 presidential ambition despite a recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the ADC and its preparations for the election.
In a statement released in Sokoto on Friday, Atiku said no court decision, political pressure or intimidation would make him abandon the race.
He insisted that Nigerians should have the opportunity to decide who leads the country through a free, fair and credible election.
“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 declared.
The former Vice-President described the court judgment as part of an alleged effort to weaken opposition parties and limit political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He accused the ruling authorities of using political pressure, legal tactics and other means to frustrate opposition parties instead of allowing Nigerians to judge their performance.
Atiku also raised concerns about alleged attempts to manipulate the voters’ register using artificial intelligence-generated photographs, fake names and false identities.
He warned that such practices could damage the credibility of elections and lead Nigeria towards a one-party system.
“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 criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, pointing to rising fuel prices, the falling value of the naira, increasing food costs and the closure of businesses.
He expressed concern about the worsening security situation, including banditry and kidnapping, saying many Nigerians were finding it difficult to meet their daily needs.
According to him, government policies have made life harder for ordinary citizens, while many young Nigerians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
He urged his supporters to remain determined and protect their democratic rights, stressing that their votes would determine the country’s political future.
“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.
The former Vice-President also appealed to opposition parties to stand against efforts to establish a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must allow different political groups to compete.
“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people,” Atiku stated.
He challenged those in government who were confident in their popularity and achievements to face opposition candidates in a transparent 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.
Atiku assured his supporters that his campaign would continue, with particular attention to the rising cost of living and improving the economic conditions of Nigerians.
His statement followed Thursday’s ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case filed by a rival ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The judgment affected the leadership structure of the party under Senator David Mark and its preparations for the 2027 elections, including the joint presidential ticket involving Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi.
However, the ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the ruling and indicated their intention to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
