Following the sack of the David Mark leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullification of the former Vice President as the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has vowed to remain in the presidential race, maintaining that no court ruling, threat or political pressure would force him to abandon the contest.
Atiku stressed that Nigerians, rather than the courts, should determine the country’s political future through a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
He rejected any attempt to interpret the latest court ruling as the will of Nigerians, insisting that he remained committed to the contest and that his supporters would not be denied the opportunity to make their choices at the ballot box.
Atiku also accused those in power of deploying political pressure, manufactured narratives, and courtroom manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties and undermine democratic competition.
He further alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through the use of AI-generated photographs, false names, and fictitious identities, warning that such actions could make genuine political competition impossible and push the country towards a one-party state.
Atiku questioned why a government that claims to have the support of 32 governors would be afraid of a free and fair contest, arguing that those confident in their performance should be willing to present their records to Nigerians.
While assessing the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy without adequate measures to protect citizens, the depreciation of the naira, and the rising cost of food and other essential commodities.
He also lamented the closure of factories and small businesses, the departure of young Nigerians in search of better opportunities, and the continued activities of bandits and kidnappers across the country.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their political rights despite the prevailing economic difficulties and political uncertainties, emphasising that their votes remained their greatest instrument of change.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign, adding that he would not abandon his supporters or the cause they shared, regardless of threats, blackmail or further legal manoeuvres.
The former Vice President also called on Nigerians to remain calm, united, and resolute, reiterating that the country’s democracy must accommodate multiple political parties and competing voices.
He equally challenged Tinubu, declaring that the President could not use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.
