Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite a Federal High Court judgment that removed the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee.
In a statement released on Friday, Atiku said the ruling did not represent the wishes of Nigerians and insisted that he would not withdraw from the presidential race.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using political pressure, fabricated narratives and court proceedings to weaken opposition parties and push the country towards a one-party system.
Atiku also raised concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the voter register using artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
The former Vice-President criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the removal of the petrol subsidy, the naira’s depreciation, rising food prices, the closure of factories and small businesses, youth migration and insecurity.
He argued that the worsening economic situation had strengthened the case for political change, adding that his campaign would proceed despite the court ruling.
“I am in this race, and 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 said.
“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people.
“Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice. If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest.
“Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable, and every citizen’s vote counts.”
His comments followed Thursday’s judgment by Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which removed the Mark-led ADC caretaker committee and nullified its decisions, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.
The case was instituted by Nafiu Bala, a former ADC deputy national chairman representing the North-East, who challenged the party’s leadership arrangement.
The ADC has since filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution. However, the application is yet to be heard or granted.
Atiku maintained that the judgment would not discourage him from pursuing the presidency, arguing that the ultimate decision should be made by Nigerians through the ballot.
“Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgement of Nigerians at the ballot box,” he said.