Atiku Abubakar says “we are on the ballot” and has vowed not to quit the 2027 presidential race after a court nullified his ADC nomination. In a statement he signed in Sokoto on Friday, 6 November 2026, he said the ruling does not reflect the will of Nigerians. He also accused President Bola Tinubu of using the courts to weaken the opposition. “I am not going anywhere,” he said.
A Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on Thursday. It nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC. It also invalidated decisions taken under it, including Atiku’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate. The ADC has said it will appeal.
Atiku’s statement at a glance
| Issued | Friday, 6 November 2026, in Sokoto |
| Main message | “I am in this race. I am not going anywhere.” |
| His target | Tinubu and the ruling APC |
| Key allegations | Courtroom manoeuvres, political pressure and tampering with the voters’ register |
| Evidence offered | None in the statement |
| Next step | Appeal; campaign continues |
Atiku questioned why a party that boasts of 32 governors would fear a free and fair contest. He said the ruling party claims to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties. Instead of presenting its record, he alleged, it deploys political pressure, manufactured narratives and courtroom manoeuvres. He also alleged attempts to compromise the voters’ register with AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities. However, the statement gave no details or evidence for that claim.
He said these moves aim to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state. He pledged to resist that with all his strength. In addition, he criticised the government’s record. He cited the removal of the fuel subsidy, the fall of the naira, rising food prices, closed businesses and insecurity.
Atiku urged supporters to stay calm, united and resolute. He said the campaign and its cost-of-living message will continue. He ended with a direct line to the President: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.
The ruling has left the ADC’s candidacy in doubt, Business Day reports. The party is expected to appeal, while the electoral commission faces questions over the legal status of its candidate. The government’s side has defended the judgment. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo backed it, according to Lawyard.
This report presents Atiku’s statement and does not establish any claim as fact. Sojworldnews could not find a response from INEC or the APC to the register claim. We will update this story as the appeal develops.
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