Atiku Abubakar. Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has despite a Federal High Court judgement that sacked and invalidated decisions taken by the party’s caretaker committee, as well as the David Mark-led leadership of the party, insisted that he remains in the 2027 presidential race. In a statement issued on Friday, the former Vice-President said the judgement did not reflect the will of Nigerians, adding that he would not abandon his presidential ambition. He accused the ruling party of deploying political pressure, manufactured narratives and court manoeuvres to weaken the opposition and push Nigeria towards a one-party state. Abubakar also alleged that attempts were being made to compromise the voter register through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities. He criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the removal of petrol subsidy, the depreciation of the Naira, rising food prices, factory and small business closures, youth emigration and insecurity. The former Vice-President said the economic difficulties facing Nigerians had reinforced the need for political change, adding that his campaign would continue. Said he: “I am in this race, and 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. “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. If those in power believe in their numbers and their record, let us meet at the polls in a free, fair and credible contest. “Our campaign will continue. Our message on the cost of living will not be silenced or derailed. Stay calm, united and resolute. Together, we will fight for a Nigeria where life is affordable, and every citizen’s vote counts”. Abubakar’s comments followed a judgement delivered on Thursday by Peter Lifu, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sacked the Mark-led ADC caretaker committee and nullified its decisions, including the process that produced Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. The suit was filed by Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC (North-East), who challenged the party’s leadership arrangement. The ADC has filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution, but the application is yet to be heard or granted. Abubakar said the judgement would not deter him from seeking the presidency, insisting that the final decision should rest with voters. Said he: “Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgement of Nigerians at the ballot box”.