Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he will contest the 2027 presidential election despite the ongoing leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Atiku made the declaration on Friday in a statement posted on his verified X account, insisting that no court ruling or political pressure would stop him from appearing on the ballot.
His comments came as the ADC faction led by Senator David Mark appealed a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja which nullified the party’s congresses and removed its National Executive Committee.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had recognised Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman of the party, as its authentic leader.
In its appeal, the Mark-led faction urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to take any action that could pre-empt the outcome of the legal challenge.
Atiku accused unnamed political interests of attempting to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
He insisted that Nigerians should be allowed to choose their leaders through free, fair and credible elections.
The former Vice-President also criticised the Tinubu administration over the rising cost of living, economic hardship and insecurity, urging his supporters not to lose hope ahead of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has denied allegations that it is interfering in the ADC’s internal crisis, urging the opposition party to resolve its leadership dispute.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also dismissed suggestions that Atiku’s absence from the 2027 ballot would have serious political consequences.
However, the ADC National Executive Committee Chairmen Forum loyal to Gombe has threatened a nationwide protest against INEC if it fails to implement the court’s judgment.
The leadership dispute and the pending appeal have added another dimension to the political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
