Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and elect leaders based on competence, integrity and ideas ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the appeal on Saturday while addressing young Nigerians at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, where he said his presidential ambition is driven by a desire to build a nation with accountable leadership and stronger institutions.
“I am not seeking office for its privileges. I seek it because I still believe in the Nigeria that is capable of becoming a nation where leadership is accountable, institutions are strong, opportunities are abundant and every citizen has a fair chance to succeed,” Atiku said.
The former vice president encouraged young Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and protect the integrity of their votes.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly and defend the integrity of the process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people,” he stated.
Atiku described Nigeria’s youth as the country’s greatest asset but lamented that poor leadership has continued to deny many of them opportunities to thrive.
He said many young Nigerians are forced to leave the country in search of better opportunities because of unemployment, economic hardship and poor governance.
Calling on voters to make informed choices in 2027, Atiku warned against exchanging votes for temporary gifts during election campaigns.
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character. Let us vote for ideas. Let us vote for the future,” he said.
He added:
“A bag of rice will disappear. A few thousand naira will be spent. A campaign T-shirt will eventually fade. But the consequences of electing incompetent leadership will remain with you long after the campaign has ended.”
The event also featured the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement, a political mobilisation group backing Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid.
Speaking at the event, the group’s convener, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, said the movement aims to mobilise 20 million voters across Nigeria in support of the ADC candidate.
