ADC Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he remains firmly in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that President Bola Tinubu cannot rely on court victories to avoid the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.
In a statement released on Friday, Atiku said recent court rulings would not stop his campaign or deny Nigerians the opportunity to choose their next leader in a free and fair election.
“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. We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”
The former vice president assured his supporters that he would not withdraw from the race despite what he described as threats and political pressure.
“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. No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”
Atiku alleged that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) claiming to control many state governments and attracting politicians from opposition parties, it was still using political and legal means to weaken its opponents.
“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 further accused the government of using political pressure, “manufactured narratives, courtroom manoeuvres” and attempts to manipulate the voters’ register through “AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.”
According to him, such actions suggest an attempt to undermine democratic competition.
“These are not the actions of people confident in their record. They are calculated attempts to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state.”
The former presidential candidate also criticised the Tinubu administration over the economy, saying Nigerians were battling rising food prices, high fuel costs, unemployment and insecurity.
He maintained that his campaign would remain focused on addressing the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
“Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable and every citizen’s vote counts.”
Atiku concluded by insisting that the ultimate decision on Nigeria’s leadership belongs to the electorate and not the courts.
“Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
The statement comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 general election. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns over the political environment and recent court decisions, while the APC has maintained that it remains committed to democratic principles and credible elections.
