Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will remain in the presidential race, insisting that President Bola Tinubu cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.
Atiku made the declaration in a statement issued in Sokoto, Nigeria, on November 6, 2026, following a recent court ruling. He maintained that no court decision, political pressure or alleged manipulation would remove him and his campaign from the contest.
In a strong message to Nigerians, the former vice president urged his supporters not to mistake the latest court ruling for the will of the people, stressing that voters must be allowed to decide the country’s political future.
“No manipulation, conjecture or concoction can erase our place in this contest, silence our campaign or deny Nigerians the right to choose their future. We are on the ballot, and the people must be allowed to decide,” Atiku declared.
He accused those in power of using political pressure, manufactured stories, courtroom manoeuvres and other tactics to weaken opposition parties and make genuine political competition difficult.
Atiku also questioned the ruling party’s confidence despite claims that it controls 32 state governors and has attracted politicians from other parties through pressure, persuasion or coercion.
He argued that a government confident in its performance should welcome a free and fair election instead of allegedly relying on tactics designed to weaken its opponents.
The former vice president further raised concerns about the integrity of the voters’ register, alleging attempts to introduce AI generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities into the electoral process.
According to him, such actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy and could push the country towards a one party state where opposition voices are weakened or silenced.
Atiku also launched a strong attack on the Tinubu administration’s economic record, accusing the government of worsening the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
He criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy without adequate measures to protect citizens, saying the decision was followed by a sharp decline in the value of the naira and rising food prices that have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary families.
He further accused the government of allowing factories and small businesses to close, while many young Nigerians continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities.
Atiku also expressed concern over insecurity, particularly the activities of bandits and kidnappers who continue to threaten communities across the country.
Describing the difficult living conditions facing Nigerians, he said many families were struggling to afford food, fuel and other basic needs.
He pointed to empty market stalls, rising living costs and growing pressure on households as evidence of the economic difficulties facing the country.
Despite the challenges, Atiku urged Nigerians not to lose hope or surrender their political rights, reminding them that their votes remain their strongest tool for bringing about change.
“Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back,” he said.
The former vice president also gave a firm assurance to his supporters that he would not abandon the race, despite what he described as threats, blackmail and attempts to use the courts to frustrate his political ambition.
“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 stated.
He vowed that his campaign would resist every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one party state, insisting that the country belongs to all Nigerians and that democracy must allow different political parties and competing voices to exist.
Atiku challenged those in power to present their record before the electorate and allow Nigerians to make their choice through a free, fair and credible election.
He also assured supporters that his campaign would continue to focus on the rising cost of living and the need to make life affordable for citizens.
He called on Nigerians to remain calm, united and determined, urging them to defend their democratic rights and ensure that every vote counts.
Reaffirming his position, Atiku said no court manoeuvre should be used to prevent Nigerians from deciding who governs them.
“Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box,” he declared.
