Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that no court ruling or political manoeuvre will stop him from contesting in the next election, insisting that Nigerians, not the courts, should determine the country’s political future through the ballot box.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement issued in Sokoto on Friday, November 6, 2026, in which he criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of using political pressure and legal manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties.
He maintained that the latest court ruling should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, stressing that he remained committed to the political contest.
“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 also accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition parties through political intimidation, manufactured narratives and alleged efforts to compromise the voters’ register with artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.
He questioned the APC’s confidence despite its claimed control of 32 state governments, arguing that a government confident in its performance should have no reason to fear a free and fair election.
Atiku further criticised the Tinubu administration over the state of the economy, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, the depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, business closures and increasing hardship among Nigerians.
He also expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, particularly the activities of bandits and kidnappers, which he said continued to threaten communities across the country.
According to him, the economic hardship has made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford basic necessities, including food and fuel.
Calling on Nigerians not to lose hope, Atiku urged his supporters to remain united and resolute, describing their votes as the most powerful instrument for reclaiming the country’s future.
He also vowed to resist what he described as attempts by the ruling party to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
“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 stated.
Atiku challenged those in power to present their achievements before Nigerians at the polls rather than resort to political manoeuvres, insisting that the country deserved a free, fair and credible electoral process.
He reaffirmed that his campaign would continue to focus on the rising cost of living and the need to make life more affordable for citizens.
In a pointed message directed at President Bola Tinubu, Atiku declared: “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
