Atiku Insists He Will Be on 2027 Presidential Ballot Despite Court Ruling

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to remain in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that no threat, intimidation or court action will force him to withdraw from the contest.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration in a statement he personally signed on Friday, urging his supporters not to lose hope despite a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja affecting the party’s leadership.

On Thursday, the court nullified the leadership of the ADC faction led by Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under the leadership, including Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.

Reacting to the judgment, Atiku maintained that he remained committed to the race and would appear on the ballot in 2027.

“I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot. No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share,” he declared.

He argued that the court ruling did not reflect the wishes of Nigerians, adding that no political or legal manoeuvre could erase his participation in the presidential contest.

Atiku also accused the ruling party of using political pressure and legal battles to weaken opposition parties rather than presenting its achievements to Nigerians.

According to him, attempts to undermine opposition groups, alongside alleged irregularities involving the voters’ register, could threaten the country’s democratic process.

He further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, business closures and worsening insecurity.

The former vice-president said the economic difficulties facing Nigerians should not discourage voters from participating in the democratic process.

“Do not lose heart. Do not retreat. Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he told his supporters.

Atiku also warned against what he described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must accommodate different political parties and competing voices.

He challenged the ruling party to face the opposition in a free, fair and credible election if it was confident of its political strength and record in government.

Concluding his statement, Atiku took a direct swipe at President Tinubu, saying the president could not use the courts to avoid the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.

“Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box,” he said.