Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that he remains in the 2027 presidential race despite the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark.
Atiku declared that no court ruling, political pressure or alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties would stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, the former Vice President said the court’s decision should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, insisting that voters must be allowed to decide their country’s leadership.
“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,” he stated.
Atiku accused the ruling government of using political pressure, courtroom manoeuvres and other tactics to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria towards a one-party state.
He questioned why a government that claims to have the support of 32 governors would be concerned about a competitive election.
“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,” Atiku said.
He also criticised the Federal Government over the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, business closures and worsening insecurity.
According to him, Nigerians are struggling with the rising cost of living, while young people continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities.
Reaffirming his commitment to the presidential contest, Atiku declared:
“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.”
He further called on Nigerians to remain united and resist any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state.
“Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice. 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.
Concluding his statement, the former Vice President declared, “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has also reacted to the court ruling, describing it as shocking and expressing concern about its implications for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.
