Atiku, who emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration while addressing his supporters following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark and invalidated decisions taken by the leadership, including the process that produced his presidential candidacy.
In a statement personally signed by him on Friday, November 6, 2026, Atiku urged his supporters to remain calm, united and committed to the political struggle, maintaining that the court ruling did not represent the wishes of Nigerians.
He insisted that the people must be allowed to determine their political future through a free, fair and credible electoral process.
“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 said.
The former Vice-President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing political pressure, legal battles and other alleged tactics to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.
He questioned why a ruling party that claims to have the support of 32 state governors and politicians defecting from other parties would be afraid of facing the opposition in a free and fair election.
Atiku also alleged that attempts were being made to compromise the voters’ register through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
According to him, such actions could undermine genuine political competition and weaken the country’s democratic institutions.
The former presidential candidate further criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the economy, blaming the administration for the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of food and other essential commodities.
He said the economic situation had placed considerable pressure on ordinary Nigerians, while factories and small businesses continued to struggle and insecurity remained a major concern in several communities.
Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their political rights, stressing that their votes remained the most important instrument for determining the country’s leadership.
“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.
He further assured supporters that his campaign would continue despite the legal challenges confronting the ADC, adding that his political message would remain focused on the rising cost of living and the need to make life more affordable for Nigerians.
“Our democracy must remain open to more than one party and more than one voice. 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 added.
Atiku’s statement followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, that nullified the ADC’s leadership under David Mark and set aside decisions made by the party’s leadership.
The case was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the ADC, who challenged the party’s leadership arrangement.
After the judgment, the ADC appealed to the Court of Appeal and sought a stay of execution.
Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding his party’s leadership and presidential ticket, Atiku maintained that he would remain in the 2027 presidential contest, insisting that no court action could prevent Nigerians from deciding their preferred candidate at the ballot box.
