Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerian youths to reject vote buying and other forms of political inducement ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to vote based on competence, character, and ideas.
Atiku made the appeal on Saturday during the inauguration of state coordinators for the RiseUpNaija (RUN) movement in Abuja, where he said his presidential ambition is driven by a commitment to building a Nigeria founded on accountable leadership, strong institutions, and equal opportunities for all citizens.
“I stand before you today not merely as a former vice president or an elder statesman, but as a lifelong democrat who has never stopped believing that Nigeria can become the great nation its people deserve,” he said.
The former vice president expressed concern over the increasing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, attributing the trend to growing frustration with the nation’s leadership and economic conditions.
“I see brilliant young people leaving Nigeria, not because they have stopped loving their country, but because they no longer believe their country loves them back,” he stated.
Addressing the country’s youth population, Atiku urged them to recognize their electoral strength and resist attempts to divide them along ethnic, religious, or political lines.
“Young Nigerians constitute the largest voting population in our country. Yet, too often, you have allowed yourselves to be divided by tribe, religion and political manipulation while a much smaller political class decides your future. That must end,” he said.
He also warned against accepting money, food items, or other incentives in exchange for votes, describing such practices as harmful to Nigeria’s democratic future.
“Your vote is far more valuable than any amount of money a politician can offer. Do not exchange four years of your future for one afternoon of inducement. A bag of rice will disappear,” Atiku said.
The former presidential candidate further encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond online political engagement, stressing that meaningful participation in the electoral process requires physical involvement.
“Hashtags do not count votes. Livestreams do not secure polling units. Tweets do not defend democracy. Only citizens do,” he said.
He urged eligible Nigerians to register to vote, verify their voter registration details, volunteer during elections, serve as polling agents where possible, and peacefully protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Atiku concluded by calling for issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, encouraging Nigerians to elect leaders based on competence, integrity, and their vision for the country’s future rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character, ideas and for the future,” he added.