Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has pledged to remain in the 2027 presidential race despite a recent Federal High Court ruling affecting the party’s leadership and ticket.
In a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, Atiku declared that no judicial decision, political pressure, or intimidation would compel him to withdraw from the contest.
He emphasized that the political future of Nigeria must ultimately be decided by voters through a free, fair, and credible election.
He said, “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.”
The former vice president alleged that the judicial ruling was part of a coordinated effort to suppress political competition and weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He accused those in authority of resorting to legal maneuvers, political coercion, and administrative tactics to undermine opposition platforms rather than allowing the electorate to judge their performance.
Atiku further alleged that attempts had been made to manipulate the voter registration system using fraudulent identities, fabricated names, and artificial intelligence-generated photographs.
He warned that such practices risk undermining the credibility of the democratic process and steering the country toward a single-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 added.
Speaking further, the ADC presidential candidate criticized the Federal Government’s economic management, citing soaring fuel prices, continuous naira depreciation, escalating food costs, and widespread business closures.
Backstory…
Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership structure, which was headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The court also invalidated the party’s presidential ticket held by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Judge Peter Lifu said the “Mark-led Caretaker Committee, which conducted the party’s presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as its flag bearer,” is illegal.
The presiding judge set aside the appointments of all national officers, including National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and nullified the entire candidate list submitted by the party to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.
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