The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the latest court ruling on the party’s leadership tussle, insisting that no manipulation can erase its place in the 2027 contest.
In a statement on Friday, the candidate said 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,” he declared.
He accused the ruling party of deploying tactics to weaken the opposition rather than presenting its record to Nigerians.
“Those who boast of having 32 governors and claim to have bought, pressured or coerced leaders from other parties into their fold should have no reason to fear a free and fair contest,” he said.
“Yet, instead of presenting their record to Nigerians, they continue to deploy every tactic available to weaken the opposition: political pressure, manufactured narratives, courtroom manoeuvres and attempts to compromise the voters’ register with AI-generated photographs, false names and fictitious identities.”
“These are not the actions of people confident in their record. They are calculated attempts to make genuine competition impossible and push Nigeria towards a one-party state,” he added.
The ADC flagbearer also took a swipe at the Federal Government’s economic record, citing the removal of fuel subsidy, naira decline, and rising cost of living.
“This government removed the fuel subsidy overnight without a plan to protect Nigerians. It presided over the steep decline of the naira and allowed food prices to rise beyond the reach of ordinary families. Factories and small businesses have shut their doors,” he said.
He urged supporters to remain resolute, stressing that his candidacy remains intact.
“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. No threat, blackmail or court manoeuvre will make me abandon you or the cause we share,” he stated.
“We will resist with all our strength every attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Nigeria belongs to all its people,” he said, challenging those in power to meet at the polls in a “free, fair and credible contest.”
He concluded: “Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box.”
