Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he will contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that neither court judgments nor political pressure will force him out of the race.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, following a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that affected the leadership of the ADC and its preparations for the 2027 general 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.
The former vice-president, who is seeking the presidency under the ADC, described the judgment as part of what he alleged was an effort to weaken opposition parties and restrict political competition ahead of the next general elections.
He accused those in power of using political pressure, court proceedings and other tactics to frustrate opposition parties, insisting that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their leaders through free, fair and credible elections.
Atiku also raised concerns about the integrity of the voters’ register, alleging attempts to manipulate it through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
He warned that such practices could undermine electoral credibility and threaten Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“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.
On the economy, Atiku criticised the Federal Government’s policies, pointing to rising fuel prices, naira depreciation, increasing food costs and business closures as challenges affecting Nigerians.
He also expressed concern over banditry, kidnapping and the growing difficulty many households face in meeting their daily needs. He argued that worsening economic conditions were contributing to the continued departure of young Nigerians in search of better opportunities abroad.
The ADC presidential hopeful urged his supporters to remain committed to the political process, maintaining that their votes remained the most effective means of determining the country’s leadership.
“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.
He further called on opposition parties to resist attempts to establish a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must accommodate competing political interests.
“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 political leaders confident in their popularity and performance to face opposition candidates in a credible electoral 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,” he said.
The statement followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by a rival ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The ruling affected the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, including the proposed presidential ticket involving Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi.
The ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the judgment and indicated their intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
