BREAKING: “I Am Not Going Anywhere” – Atiku Defies Court Ruling, Insists On 2027 Race

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he remains in the 2027 presidential race despite a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark.

Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, urged his supporters to remain steadfast, declaring that neither the court judgment nor political pressure would force him to abandon the contest.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday nullified the Mark-led leadership of the party and invalidated decisions taken under it, including Atiku’s emergence as the ADC presidential candidate.

However, in a statement he personally signed on Friday, Atiku said he remained committed to the race and was confident that he would be on the ballot.

“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,” he said.

He argued that the court ruling did not reflect the will of Nigerians, insisting that no legal or political manoeuvre could deny citizens the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders.

“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,” he added.

In what appeared to be a criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku questioned why a party that claims to enjoy the support of 32 governors would be concerned about opposition activities.

He alleged that the ruling party was using political pressure, false narratives and court processes to weaken the opposition rather than defend its record before Nigerians.

Atiku also raised concerns over alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through the inclusion of AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

According to him, such actions could undermine political competition and push the country towards a one-party system.

The former vice-president further criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the removal of petrol subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices and worsening insecurity.

He said the economic situation had made life difficult for households and businesses, while many young Nigerians continued to leave the country in search of better opportunities.

Atiku urged his supporters not to lose hope, describing their votes as the means through which they could influence the country’s political future.

“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people. Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice,” he said.

He challenged the ruling party to face the opposition in a free, fair and credible election, adding that Nigerians should be allowed to decide who governs them.

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