2027: I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE, ATIKU DECLARES AFTER ADC COURT RULING

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By: Hammad Fasasi

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has rejected the latest court ruling affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that he remains committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Friday, Atiku said the judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the party and his presidential nomination should not be regarded as the choice of Nigerians.

He maintained that no court ruling or political manoeuvre could erase his participation in the presidential race or deny citizens the opportunity to choose their preferred leader.

“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.

“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

The former vice-president accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using political pressure, legal manoeuvres and other tactics to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

He also alleged that those in power were attempting to manipulate the voters’ register through what he described as “AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities”.

According to Atiku, such actions were intended to undermine genuine political competition and steer the country towards a one-party state.

He challenged the ruling party to present its achievements to Nigerians and defend its record at the polls rather than rely on its political influence.

“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 also criticised the Tinubu administration over the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices and worsening insecurity, arguing that the government had failed to address the economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

He lamented that businesses were shutting down, young people were leaving the country in search of better opportunities, while banditry and kidnapping continued to threaten communities.

“Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” he said.

The former vice-president urged his supporters not to lose hope, reaffirming his determination to remain in the presidential race despite the legal challenges facing the ADC.

“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 said.

“No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”

He further vowed that the opposition would resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, urging the ruling party to face its opponents in a free, fair and credible election.

“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” Atiku added.

He said his campaign would remain focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making life more affordable for Nigerians.

Atiku concluded by accusing the President of attempting to use the judiciary to avoid the verdict of voters in the 2027 election.

“Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”