‘We will be on the ballot’ — Atiku vows to stay in 2027 presidential race after ADC ruling

• Atiku vows to stay in the 2027 presidential race after a court ruling affected the ADC’s leadership and his joint ticket with Rotimi Amaechi.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to stay in the 2027 presidential race despite a Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the party’s presidential ticket.

In a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto, Atiku said neither the court ruling nor political pressure would force him to withdraw. He insisted that Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders in 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.

Atiku alleged that those in power were using political pressure and court cases to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. He also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register with AI-generated photographs and false identities.

“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.

The former vice-president criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, citing rising fuel and food prices, a weaker naira and business closures. He also raised concerns about banditry and kidnapping and said his campaign would continue to focus on the cost of living.

Atiku urges supporters to defend their votes

Atiku urged supporters to stay engaged and called on opposition parties to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

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

“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.

“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.

ADC plans to challenge the ruling

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

The ruling affected the David Mark-led leadership and the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, including the joint ticket of Atiku and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi. Atiku and the ADC leadership rejected the judgment and said they would challenge it on appeal.