Atiku Vows to Stay in 2027 Race Despite Court Ruling on ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar announced on Friday that he will not withdraw from the 2027 presidential election despite a Federal High Court ruling that invalidated the African Democratic Congress leadership headed by Senator David Mark. In statements issued from Sokoto, Atiku declared his commitment to remain in the race and rejected suggestions that judicial proceedings would force him from the contest.

The court judgment, handed down Thursday in Abuja, nullified all decisions made by the Mark-led ADC administration, including Atiku's selection as the party's presidential candidate. Atiku characterised the ruling as disconnected from the preferences of ordinary Nigerians and called for an electoral process that genuinely reflects public choice.

Atiku's defiance comes as he faces mounting legal and political obstacles to his candidacy. In his public statement, he rejected what he described as pressure tactics and court manoeuvres designed to undermine his campaign.

He also made indirect criticism of the ruling administration's approach to political competition, suggesting that some actors were misusing judicial mechanisms to settle electoral disputes. The former vice president has been a prominent opposition figure, having contested previous presidential elections under different party banners.

His current status as ADC candidate remains contested following Thursday's court action, though Atiku has indicated he plans to navigate the legal process while maintaining his campaign activities. The case illustrates ongoing tensions between electoral law, party internal disputes, and presidential ambitions in Nigeria's political landscape.