Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he will remain in the 2027 presidential race despite a Federal High Court judgment that sacked the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullified decisions taken by its caretaker committee.

In a statement issued on Friday, Atiku said the judgment did not reflect the will of Nigerians, vowing not to abandon his presidential ambition.

He accused the ruling party of using political pressure, manufactured narratives and court manoeuvres to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria towards a one-party state.

Atiku also alleged attempts to compromise the voter register through artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

The former vice-president criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the removal of petrol subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, factory and small business closures, youth emigration and insecurity.

He said the prevailing economic difficulties had reinforced the need for political change, insisting that his campaign would continue despite the court ruling.

“I am in this race, and 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.

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

“Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable, and every citizen’s vote counts.”

Atiku’s reaction followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sacked the Mark-led ADC caretaker committee and nullified its decisions, including the process that produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate.

The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala, a former ADC deputy national chairman (North-East), who challenged the party’s leadership arrangement.

The ADC has filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution, but the application is yet to be heard or granted.

Atiku maintained that the judgment would not deter him from seeking the presidency, insisting that Nigerians should determine the outcome at the ballot box.

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