The Former Vice President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar has rejected the latest court ruling affecting his political ambitions, insisting that no legal manoeuvre can prevent Nigerians from choosing their leaders at the ballot box.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Sokoto on Friday, Atiku accused the Bola Tinubu administration of using political pressure, court actions and alleged manipulation of the voters’ register to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria towards a one-party state.
“Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box,” Atiku declared.
He argued that a government confident in its record should welcome a free and fair contest rather than attempt to silence its opponents.
According to him, claims of broad political support and control of several state governments should eliminate any fear of facing voters.
Atiku also launched a scathing attack on the administration’s economic record, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, the fall in the value of the naira, rising food prices, factory closures and worsening insecurity.
He said ordinary Nigerians were struggling to feed their families as fuel prices continued to rise, while banditry and kidnapping kept communities in fear.
“Do not lose heart. Do not retreat. Your vote is your power,” he told supporters, urging them to remain calm, united and determined.
The former vice president said he would not abandon the race despite what he described as threats, blackmail and courtroom manoeuvres.
He maintained that his campaign would continue to focus on the rising cost of living and the need to preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
“I am in this race. I am not going anywhere,” Atiku said, promising to resist every attempt to shut opposition voices out of the political process.