The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Bola Tinubu that court manoeuvres cannot stop Nigerians from deciding the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he is still in the race and will appear on the ballot.

Atiku accused the Tinubu government of using political pressure and court processes to weaken opposition parties, alleging that such moves were part of an attempt to push Nigeria towards a one-party state.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku said the latest court ruling should not be mistaken for the will of Nigerians, insisting that the people must be allowed to choose their leaders.

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He also alleged that attempts were being made to compromise the voters’ register through AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

The presidential candidate criticised Tinubu’s administration over fuel subsidy removal, the naira’s decline and rising food prices, blaming the government for worsening economic hardship.

He also cited factory closures, youth migration, banditry and kidnapping among the country’s challenges.

Declaring that he would not abandon the contest, Atiku told his supporters: “I am in this race. I am not going anywhere. We will be on the ballot.”

He challenged the ruling party to face the opposition in a free and credible election, rather than use political influence to frustrate the contest.

“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 said.

Atiku ended his statement with a direct message to Tinubu, declaring: “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”