Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has announced that he will contest the 2027 presidential election regardless of recent legal challenges. He insisted that no judicial verdict or political pressure would push him to abandon his bid, according to Punch.
Atiku, identified as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made his stance known in a press statement released on Friday in Sokoto. The statement followed a court ruling on Thursday that invalidated the ADC leadership headed by David Mark, alongside its earlier actions.
Reacting to the judgment, Atiku maintained that citizens must have the freedom to pick their representatives through a transparent voting process. He stated firmly that he is not stepping down and pledged that his name will appear on the ballot.
The former vice-president alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s government is employing legal actions and political influence to weaken opposition groups. He claimed that these moves are geared toward establishing a one-party system in the country.
Atiku also accused the ruling authorities of attempting to interfere with the voters' register by introducing fake identities, fabricated names, and photographs produced by artificial intelligence. He asked why an administration that claims support from 32 state governors would show reluctance toward an open contest.
Turning to economic conditions, Atiku criticised the federal government's policies, arguing that they have increased living difficulties across the country. He pointed to the ending of petrol subsidies without sufficient safety nets, the falling value of the naira, increasing costs of food and transport, and the shutting down of businesses.
He further raised alarm over national security, pointing out that kidnappers and armed groups continue to disturb local communities while many young citizens migrate overseas. Atiku urged the public to protect their democratic rights and called on the governing party to prove its popularity through a credible poll.
