Atiku Draws Battle Line With Tinubu, APC, Wike: “We Are on the Ballot for 2027”

By Our Reporter

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he remains in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that no court ruling, political intimidation or alleged manoeuvres by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will force him out of the contest.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration in a statement dated Friday, November 6, 2026, following the latest court ruling affecting the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a strong message directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC and Nigerians, Atiku declared: “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the people’s verdict. We are on the ballot.”

He maintained that the latest court decision should not be interpreted as the will of Nigerians, arguing that the electorate must retain the right to determine the country’s political future.

“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,” Atiku said.

“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

Atiku Questions APC’s Political Dominance

The ADC presidential hopeful also challenged the APC over its claims of political dominance, particularly its alleged control of 32 state governors.

According to Atiku, a party confident in its political strength and achievements should have no reason to fear 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 stated.

He accused the ruling party of allegedly deploying political pressure, misinformation and courtroom manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties.

Atiku further alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register through AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

“These are not the actions of people confident in their record. They are calculated attempts to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state,” he said.

Criticises Tinubu’s Economic and Security Record

Atiku also criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, rising food prices, currency depreciation and worsening insecurity.

He argued that Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardship, while businesses struggle to survive and young people increasingly seek opportunities abroad.

“This government removed the fuel subsidy overnight without a plan to protect Nigerians. It presided over the steep decline of the naira and allowed food prices to rise beyond the reach of ordinary families,” Atiku said.

“Factories and small businesses have shut their doors. Our young people are leaving in search of hope, while bandits and kidnappers continue to hold communities hostage.”

The former vice president painted a picture of growing hardship across the country, describing the daily struggle faced by ordinary Nigerians in feeding their families and meeting basic needs.

“Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” he said.

Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the democratic process, insisting that their votes remain the most powerful instrument for political change.

“Do not lose heart. Do not retreat. Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he declared.

Vows to Restore Fuel Subsidy

Reaffirming his political commitment, Atiku said his ambition was tied to what he described as the need to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

He maintained that no threat, blackmail or court-related manoeuvre would force him to abandon the presidential contest.

“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 said.

“No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”

Atiku also reiterated his opposition to what he described as attempts to transform Nigeria into a one-party state, stressing that the country’s democracy must accommodate competing political voices.

“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people. Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice,” he stated.

He challenged the APC to face the opposition at the polls if it remained confident in its political strength and record in government.

“If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest,” Atiku concluded.

AnambraDaily will continue to monitor political developments and reactions ahead of the 2027 general election.

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