No court ruling can keep me off 2027 ballot — Atiku

Former Vice-President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar has vowed to remain in the 2027 presidential race despite the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the ADC and its presidential candidacy.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, insisted that no court ruling, political pressure or intimidation would force him to withdraw from the contest.

He maintained that Nigerians must be allowed to determine 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 judgment as part of what he alleged was an attempt to weaken opposition parties and undermine political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused those in power of deploying political pressure, courtroom manoeuvres and other tactics to frustrate opposition parties rather than allowing Nigerians to assess their performance.

Atiku also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through the use of artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

He argued that such developments could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and push the country towards a one-party state.

“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 criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing rising fuel prices, the depreciation of the naira, increasing food costs and the closure of businesses.

He also expressed concern over insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, saying many Nigerians were struggling to meet their daily needs.

According to him, the government’s economic policies have worsened living conditions for ordinary citizens, while young Nigerians continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities.

The former Vice-President urged his supporters not to lose hope or surrender their democratic rights, stressing that their votes remained the most important instrument for determining political leadership.

“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.

He also called on 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,” Atiku stated.

He added that political leaders who believed in their popularity and performance should be prepared to face opposition candidates at the polls.

“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 further assured supporters that his campaign would continue, particularly on issues surrounding the rising cost of living and the need to improve citizens’ economic conditions.

The statement followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit instituted by a rival faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe.

The ruling affected the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party and its preparations for the 2027 elections, including the joint presidential ticket involving Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi.

The ADC leadership and Atiku have rejected the judgment and indicated plans to challenge it at the appellate court. (Punch)