Atiku Says No Court Can Stop Him from Running in 2027

Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said he will stay in the 2027 presidential race. This comes after a recent Federal High Court ruling that affects the ADC's leadership and its presidential candidate.

Atiku made this known in a statement on Friday in Sokoto. He stated that no court ruling, political pressure, or intimidation will make him pull out of the race.

He believes that Nigerians should choose their political future through a free, fair, and credible election. "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 described the court ruling as an attempt to weaken opposition parties and reduce political competition ahead of the 2027 elections. He accused those in power of using political pressure and courtroom tricks against opposition parties instead of letting Nigerians evaluate their performance.

Atiku also pointed out attempts to tamper with the voters' register by using fake photographs, false names, and bogus identities generated by artificial intelligence. He said these actions could damage the credibility of the electoral process and push Nigeria toward a one-party system.

"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.

Atiku further criticized the Federal Government's management of the economy. He cited rising fuel prices, the falling value of the naira, increasing food costs, and many businesses closing down. He also raised concerns about insecurity, like banditry and kidnapping, saying many Nigerians are struggling to meet their daily needs.

He stated that the government's economic policies have made life harder for ordinary citizens. Many young Nigerians are leaving the country for better opportunities.

The former Vice-President urged his supporters to stay hopeful and not give up on their democratic rights. He emphasized that their votes are crucial for choosing political leaders. "Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back," he said.

He called on opposition parties to resist any moves to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He insisted that Nigeria's democracy should allow for different 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," Atiku stated.

He added that political leaders who believe in their popularity and performance should be ready to face opposition candidates in elections. "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.

Atiku assured supporters that his campaign will continue, especially on issues like the rising cost of living and the need to improve people's economic conditions.

This statement followed a judgment on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This ruling came from a case brought by a rival faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The ruling affects the leadership of Senator David Mark and his party's plans for the 2027 elections, including the presidential ticket with Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi.

Both the ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the judgment and plan to appeal it.