2027: “I Am Not Going Anywhere; We Will Be on the Ballot” — Atiku Dares Tinubu

2027: “I Am Not Going Anywhere; We Will Be on the Ballot” — Atiku Dares Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that neither court decisions nor political pressure will remove him.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful made the declaration on Friday while reacting to a recent court ruling concerning the opposition’s political activities.

Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using political influence and judicial processes to weaken opposition parties and allegedly push Nigeria towards a one-party system.

He maintained that court decisions should never be mistaken for the wishes of Nigerians, arguing that voters must retain the freedom to choose their leaders.

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people,” he said in his statement on Friday.

The former vice president also raised concerns about electoral credibility, alleging that artificial intelligence-generated photographs, fictitious names and false identities could compromise the voters’ register.

Atiku further criticised the Tinubu administration over fuel subsidy removal, the naira’s depreciation and rising food prices, which he linked to worsening economic hardship.

He also highlighted factory closures, youth migration, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges as evidence of the difficulties confronting Nigerians under the present administration.

Despite the political uncertainties surrounding the opposition, Atiku declared that he had no intention of abandoning his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.

“I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot,” he declared confidently.

He challenged the ruling party to test its popularity through a transparent electoral process instead of allegedly using political influence to frustrate opposition participation.

“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.

Addressing Tinubu directly, Atiku insisted that Nigerians would ultimately determine the president’s political future through their votes, regardless of developments within the judiciary.

“Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box,” he declared.