Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential race despite the controversy surrounding a Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Friday, insisted that Nigerians, rather than the courts or political authorities, should determine the country’s political leadership through a free, fair and credible election.

The statement, titled, ‘Bola Cannot Use The Courts To Escape The People’s Verdict; We Are On The Ballot’, comes amid the legal dispute over the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had granted reliefs sought by a plaintiff challenging the emergence of Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff had argued that their emergence contravened the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

The ADC has, however, rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge the decision at the appellate court.

Reacting, Atiku dismissed suggestions that the ruling represented the wishes of Nigerians, maintaining that no legal or political manoeuvre could undermine his participation in the forthcoming presidential election.

He said: “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.”

The former vice-president accused the ruling establishment of deploying political pressure and judicial processes to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic competition.

He questioned why a government that claims to enjoy the support of 32 governors would be apprehensive about facing the opposition in 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,” he said.

Atiku also raised concerns over alleged attempts to manipulate the voters’ register through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, fictitious names and false identities.

According to him, such practices could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and further threaten Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

On the economy, the former vice-president criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, blaming its policies for the rising cost of living, depreciation of the naira and growing difficulties confronting businesses and households.

He particularly faulted the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the government failed to put adequate measures in place to cushion the effects of the policy on Nigerians.

Atiku also lamented rising food prices, business closures and the increasing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

On security, he expressed concern over the persistent activities of bandits and kidnappers, noting that insecurity continued to threaten communities and undermine the livelihoods of citizens.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country’s democratic process, calling on citizens to remain united and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.

Reaffirming his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election, Atiku said neither threats, intimidation nor court proceedings would force him out of the race.

“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 declared.

He further vowed to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must provide room for opposition parties and competing political interests.

Atiku challenged the ruling party to test its popularity at the polls, rather than resort to actions capable of weakening opposition forces.

“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 maintained that his political campaign would remain focused on the economic and security challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that the ADC leadership controversy would not distract him from the presidential contest.