The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has thanked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not disobeying the court ruling that nullified him as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This came after Atiku issued a statement on Friday, which he signed as former vice president rather than as the ADC presidential candidate.
In the statement, Atiku said President Bola Tinubu cannot escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box by using the courts.
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Atiku said this in a statement on Friday after a Federal High Court nullified him as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to him, no one should mistake the ruling for the will of the Nigerian people. "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 said.
"Those who boast of having thirty-two 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. 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.
"And what record do they have to defend? 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. Our young people are leaving in search of hope, while bandits and kidnappers continue to hold communities hostage.
"Look around you. Market stalls stand empty. Feeding your family has become a daily struggle. Fuel prices keep rising, and silent pain fills homes across the country. Those in power may want you to believe that your suffering does not matter. They may want you to surrender your future before you even reach the ballot box. Do not lose heart. Do not retreat. Your vote is your power, and together, we will take our country back."
Addressing his supporters, Atiku stated that he's still in the race and 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.
"Let me say this plainly: Bola cannot use the courts to escape the judgment of Nigerians at the ballot box," he said.
"Reacting, Keyamo said, "Thank you, your Excellency @atiku, for not disobeying the court order disqualifying you as Presidential Candidate of the ADC. You signed off this statement very well, simply as former Vice-President (and not Candidate of ADC).
"That is how a Statesman should behave and respect the Rule of Law. Be properly guided."
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