Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will not withdraw from the presidential race, insisting that no court ruling, political pressure or intimidation will stop him from contesting and allowing Nigerians to decide their political future.
Atiku, in a statement addressed to Nigerians, rejected what he described as attempts to weaken the opposition and push the country towards a one-party state, declaring that he remained committed to the political contest.
Reacting to the latest court ruling, the former vice-president said the decision should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, insisting that the electorate, rather than the courts or political manoeuvres, should determine the country’s leadership through a free and fair election.
“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.
Atiku accused the ruling political establishment of deploying political pressure, manufactured narratives, courtroom manoeuvres and alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register to weaken opposition parties.
He specifically alleged that artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities were being used in attempts to manipulate the voters’ register.
According to him, the alleged developments were calculated efforts to undermine genuine political competition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
The former vice-president also questioned the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the removal of the fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, business closures and worsening insecurity as evidence of what he described as the government’s poor record.
He accused the administration of removing fuel subsidy without adequate measures to protect Nigerians from the economic consequences, adding that the rising cost of living had made survival increasingly difficult for ordinary households.
Atiku also expressed concern over the activities of bandits and kidnappers, saying many communities remained under threat while young Nigerians continued to leave the country in search of better opportunities.
“Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their political rights, maintaining that their votes remained the most important instrument for determining the country’s future.
Atiku further challenged the ruling political establishment, which he accused of boasting about having 32 governors and attracting opposition politicians through pressure and coercion, to demonstrate confidence in its performance by allowing a credible electoral contest.
He said those confident in their achievements should have no reason to fear a free and fair election.
The former vice-president vowed that his campaign would continue, particularly its focus on the rising cost of living and the need to make life affordable for Nigerians.
He also called on his supporters to remain calm, united and resolute, assuring them that he would resist attempts to silence the opposition.
“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 said.
Taking a direct swipe at President Tinubu, Atiku declared: “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
He maintained that the ultimate decision on the country’s political leadership should rest with Nigerians through the ballot box, rather than through legal or political manoeuvres.
