ADC Presidential Candidate Says No Political Pressure or Court Decision Will Force Him Out of the Contest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to remain in the race for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no court judgment, political pressure or intimidation will force him to withdraw.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, following a Federal High Court judgment affecting the party’s leadership and preparations for the forthcoming general election.
The former Vice President maintained that Nigerians should determine who leads the country through a free, fair and credible electoral process.
“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.
Accuses Ruling Party of Targeting Opposition
Atiku described the court judgment as part of what he alleged was an attempt to weaken opposition parties and restrict political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He accused those in power of using political pressure and legal manoeuvres to frustrate opposition parties rather than allowing Nigerians to judge their performance at the ballot box.
He also raised concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the voters’ register through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities, warning that such practices could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Atiku challenged the ruling party to demonstrate confidence in its popularity by allowing a credible electoral contest.
Faults Government Over Economic Hardship, Insecurity
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing rising fuel prices, naira depreciation, increasing food costs and the closure of businesses.
He expressed concern over persistent insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, arguing that many Nigerians were struggling to meet their basic needs.
According to him, government policies have worsened living conditions, while increasing numbers of young Nigerians are leaving the country in search of better opportunities.
Urges Supporters to Defend Democracy
Atiku called on his supporters not to lose hope or surrender their democratic rights, describing their votes as a powerful instrument for determining the country’s political leadership.
He also urged opposition parties to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must accommodate competing political voices.
“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people,” he stated.
ADC Leadership Rejects Court Judgment
The development followed a Thursday ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit instituted by a rival ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The judgment affected the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party and its preparations for the 2027 general election, including the proposed presidential ticket involving Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
However, the ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the ruling and indicated their intention to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
