‘Bola Cannot Use Courts To Escape People’s Verdict’ – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that he stays within the presidential race, declaring that no courtroom ruling, political stress or intimidation will pressure him to desert his ambition.

Atiku mentioned Nigerians, relatively than the courts, ought to decide the nation’s political future by way of a free, truthful and credible election.

He made the declaration in a press release on Friday titled, “Bola Cannot Use The Courts To Escape The People’s Verdict; We Are On The Ballot.”

The former vp’s assertion comes amid the controversy surrounding a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja which sacked the Senator David Mark-led executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and invalidated actions taken by the celebration’s management.

The plaintiff had urged the courtroom to restrain Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves because the celebration’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, arguing that their emergence violated the ADC structure and provisions of the Electoral Act.

The courtroom upheld the plaintiff’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, a choice that might set off additional political reactions forward of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

The ADC has, nonetheless, vowed to enchantment the judgment.

Reacting to the event, Atiku dismissed strategies that the courtroom ruling represented the desire of Nigerians, insisting that no authorized or political manoeuvre may erase his place within the political contest.

“Let no one mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future,” he mentioned.

“We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide.”

Atiku additionally accused the ruling political institution of deploying political stress and courtroom manoeuvres to weaken opposition events and undermine democratic competitors.

He questioned why a authorities that claims to have the help of 32 governors ought to be involved a couple of aggressive election.

“Those who boast of having thirty-two governors and claim to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties into their fold should have no reason to fear a free and fair contest,” he mentioned.

The former vp additional alleged makes an attempt to compromise the voters’ register by way of the usage of synthetic intelligence-generated pictures, false names and fictitious identities.

According to him, such actions may make real political competitors troublesome and push the nation in the direction of a one-party state.

Atiku additionally criticised the financial efficiency of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, blaming its insurance policies for the rising value of residing, depreciation of the naira and difficulties dealing with companies and households.

He mentioned the removing of gasoline subsidy, rising meals costs and growing insecurity had worsened the residing situations of Nigerians.

“And what record do they have to defend? This government removed the fuel subsidy overnight without a plan to protect Nigerians. It presided over the steep decline of the naira and allowed food prices to rise beyond the reach of ordinary families,” Atiku mentioned.

He added that factories and small companies had shut down, whereas many younger Nigerians have been leaving the nation searching for higher alternatives.

The former vp additionally expressed concern over the actions of bandits and kidnappers, saying insecurity had continued to threaten communities throughout the nation.

Urging Nigerians to not lose hope, Atiku known as on residents to stay united and train their voting rights.

“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he mentioned.

Reaffirming his dedication to the presidential contest, Atiku declared that he wouldn’t withdraw from the race regardless of the political and authorized developments.

“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,” he mentioned.

“No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share.”