‘We are on the ballot’ — Atiku vows to contest 2027 despite court ruling
Atiku Abubakar Vows to Continue Presidential Bid Despite Court Ruling
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 presidential election following a recent court ruling impacting the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement released on Friday, Abubakar stated that the judgment, which nullified the leadership of David Mark within the party and his presidential nomination, does not reflect the desires of the Nigerian populace.
“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people,” he said. “No manipulation, conjecture, or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign, or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future.”
Abubakar emphasized that he remains on the ballot, insisting that voters should ultimately decide the outcome of the election.
The former vice president criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allegedly deploying political pressure and legal maneuvers designed to undermine opposition parties as the election approaches. He accused those in power of corrupting the voter registration process through “AI-generated photographs, false names, and fictitious identities,” actions he claims are intended to diminish genuine political competition and move Nigeria toward a one-party system.
He challenged the ruling party to justify its tenure to the electorate instead of using its political leverage to instill fear in 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 stated.
Abubakar criticized the Tinubu administration for its management of economic issues, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, and increasing insecurity. He argued that these factors have exacerbated hardships for Nigerians, leading to business closures and a mass exodus of youth seeking opportunities abroad.
“Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle,” he remarked.
He urged his supporters not to lose hope, declaring he would not withdraw from the race despite the legal challenges. “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 affirmed.
Abubakar committed to resisting efforts to establish a one-party state and called on the ruling party to engage in a transparent and credible electoral contest. “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 added.
He concluded that his campaign would continue to focus on the escalating cost of living and urge for more affordable conditions for Nigerians, underscoring that the courts cannot shield the president from the judgment of the electorate.
