Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to remain in the race for the 2027 presidential election despite a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and decisions taken under it.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, insisting that neither the court ruling nor political pressure would force him to abandon his presidential ambition.
The ADC presidential hopeful maintained that Nigerians must be allowed to freely determine their political future through credible, free and fair elections.
“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.
He described the court judgment as part of what he alleged was a broader attempt to weaken opposition parties, suppress political competition and pave the way for a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Vice-President accused those in power of deploying political pressure and judicial manoeuvres to frustrate opposition parties and undermine democratic competition.
Atiku also raised concerns over the alleged manipulation of the voters’ register through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities, warning that such practices could compromise the credibility of future elections.
He argued that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process would threaten Nigeria’s democracy and restrict citizens’ political choices.
On the economy, Atiku criticised the Federal Government’s policies, citing rising fuel prices, the depreciation of the naira, escalating food costs and the closure of businesses as evidence of the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
He equally expressed concern over worsening insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping, noting that many citizens were struggling to meet their basic daily needs.
Atiku, however, urged his supporters not to lose hope, stressing that their votes remained the strongest instrument for determining political leadership and shaping the country’s future.
“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.
He further called on opposition political parties to unite and resist what he described as attempts to transform Nigeria into a one-party state.
The declaration followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the David Mark-led ADC leadership and invalidated decisions taken under it, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
However, the ADC and Atiku have rejected the judgment and indicated their intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
