Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to reject vote-buying and all forms of political inducement ahead of the next general election.
Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of state coordinators for the RiseUpNaija (RUN) movement in Abuja, Atiku said his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to build a nation with accountable leadership, strong institutions and equal opportunities.
“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.
Lamenting the growing exodus of young Nigerians, Atiku added, “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 urged youths to use their numerical strength to shape the country’s future instead of allowing themselves to be divided.
“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.”
Warning against selling votes, he said, “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 also called on young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism.
“Hashtags do not count votes. Livestreams do not secure polling units. Tweets do not defend democracy. Only citizens do,” he said.
He urged them to register to vote, verify their registration, volunteer, serve as polling agents and peacefully protect the people’s mandate.
He further appealed for issue-based politics, saying, “In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character, ideas and for the future.”
