Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that he remains firmly in the 2027 presidential race, insisting that no court judgement, political pressure or intimidation will make him abandon his ambition.

Atiku made the declaration in a statement issued on Friday, following a Federal High Court judgement in Abuja which sacked the David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and nullified decisions taken by the committee, including the process that produced him as the party's presidential candidate.

The former vice-president argued that the judgement did not reflect the wishes of Nigerians, accusing the ruling party of using political pressure, manufactured narratives and court manoeuvres to weaken opposition parties and push the country towards a one-party state.

He also alleged attempts to compromise the national voter register through the use of artificial intelligence-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.

Criticising President Bola Tinubu's administration, Atiku cited the removal of petrol subsidy, depreciation of the naira, rising food prices, closure of factories and small businesses, youth emigration and worsening insecurity as evidence of the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

He maintained that the prevailing situation had strengthened the argument for political change, declaring that his campaign would continue despite the legal challenge facing the ADC.

"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," he said.

Atiku further vowed to resist what he described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, challenging the ruling party to test its popularity through a free, fair and credible election.

"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," he added.

The Federal High Court judgement was delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who challenged the party's leadership arrangement.

The court's decision invalidated the caretaker committee's actions, including the process associated with Atiku's emergence as the party's presidential candidate.

However, the ADC has filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution, although the application had yet to be heard or granted as of Friday.

Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding the party's leadership, Atiku insisted that the ultimate decision on who governs Nigeria in 2027 should rest with the electorate.

"Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgement of Nigerians at the ballot box," he declared.