Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that no political or legal challenge will stop him from appearing on the ballot.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement shared on his verified X account amid the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform being used by opposition figures for their political activities.
The crisis followed a November 5 judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the congresses and other actions taken by the National Executive Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the processes were contrary to the party’s constitution and relevant guidelines, while recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic leader of the ADC.
However, the Mark-led faction approached the Court of Appeal on November 6, challenging the judgment and seeking a stay of execution. It also notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking the commission to refrain from taking steps based on the ruling pending the appeal.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying political pressure and legal manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties. He argued that Nigerians, rather than political authorities, should determine the country’s leadership through the ballot.
He also criticised the Tinubu administration over the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, business closures and insecurity.
The APC, however, denied involvement in the ADC crisis. Its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the situation as an internal problem and advised the party to pursue available legal options.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also weighed in, saying there was no reason for the country to be thrown into turmoil if Atiku did not appear on the ballot. He urged political actors to respect court decisions.
Meanwhile, ADC chairmen loyal to Gombe threatened nationwide protests if INEC failed to implement the court judgment. They called on the commission to update its records and reopen the process for party primaries.
The party’s Campaign Council, through its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, maintained that the ADC would participate in the 2027 elections and would continue to pursue legal options to challenge the ruling.
The Coalition for Democracy also criticised the judgment, describing it as a development that could undermine political pluralism in the country.
