Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no court ruling, political pressure or alleged manipulation will prevent him and his political platform from participating in the 2027 general election.
Atiku, in a statement issued in Sokoto, insisted that Nigerians must be allowed to determine the country’s political future through a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Reacting to a recent court ruling, the former vice-president said judicial decisions should not be mistaken for the will of the electorate, declaring that his political camp remained firmly in the race.
“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide,” he said.
Atiku accused the ruling political establishment of deploying various tactics to weaken the opposition, including political intimidation, manufactured narratives and alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
He also alleged that efforts were being made to compromise the voters’ register through the use of AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
The former vice-president questioned the ruling party’s confidence in its political strength, arguing that those who claimed to enjoy the support of 32 governors should have no reason to fear a competitive election.
He further accused the Federal Government of worsening the country’s economic and security challenges through its handling of fuel subsidy removal, currency depreciation and rising food prices.
According to him, the economic situation has forced many businesses to shut down, increased the hardship facing households and compelled young Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad.
He also expressed concern over persistent insecurity, particularly attacks by bandits and kidnappers, which he said had continued to threaten communities across the country.
Addressing his supporters, Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their democratic rights, stressing that their votes remained the most effective instrument for determining the country’s leadership.
“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.
He vowed to resist what he described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must accommodate multiple political parties and divergent voices.
Atiku challenged the ruling party to submit its performance record to Nigerians at the polls rather than resort to political manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties.
“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.
He maintained that his campaign would continue to focus on the rising cost of living and the need to make life more affordable for Nigerians.
The former vice-president also urged his supporters to remain calm, united and resolute, assuring them that neither threats nor court-related developments would make him abandon the political struggle.
Concluding his statement, Atiku declared: “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
