Atiku vows to remain in 2027 race despite court ruling
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he remains in the 2027 presidential race, declaring that no court ruling or political manoeuvre would force him to abandon his ambition.
Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said this on Friday in a statement issued in Sokoto, following Thursday’s Federal High Court judgment which nullified his emergence as the party’s candidate and invalidated the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee.
He described the ruling as separate from the wishes of Nigerians, insisting that voters, rather than the courts, should determine the country’s next president through a free and fair election.
“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he said.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using political pressure, alleged courtroom manoeuvres and other tactics to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic competition.
He also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through AI-generated photographs, false names, and fictitious identities, describing these actions as efforts to push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
The former vice-president challenged the ruling party to allow a credible electoral contest, arguing that its claimed political strength and number of governors should make it confident about facing the opposition at the polls.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for removing the fuel subsidy, the naira’s depreciation, rising food prices, and worsening economic conditions.
