Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has made electoral reform and the protection of votes key priorities of his proposed agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday during an address marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, Atiku said Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation and have confidence that their choices will be accurately reflected in election results.
He pledged to strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ensure that results from every polling unit are published promptly.
The former vice president also promised that individuals involved in vote buying, electoral manipulation or result falsification would face prosecution regardless of their political affiliation.
Atiku urged voters to scrutinise candidates carefully before the 2027 elections, saying campaign promises should be backed by clear and measurable plans.
“The coming election offers us a peaceful way to choose our course. This country is yours,” he said.
Beyond electoral reform, Atiku outlined economic measures he said would provide relief to Nigerians, including efforts to reduce the cost of food, petrol and electricity while improving healthcare, education and transportation.
He proposed a budgeted and capped subsidy for petrol produced by local refineries, including modular refineries, while excluding imported fuel. He said the policy would help lower pump prices, with the costs and payments subjected to independent audits.
On governance, Atiku promised greater transparency in public spending and called on Nigerians to demand accountability from elected officials over budgets, government projects and policy implementation.
He also raised concerns about due process in certain legal cases and called for the fair application of the law, while stressing that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s right to appeal his conviction should be respected.
Atiku said his proposed administration would focus on strengthening democratic institutions, improving public safety, creating jobs and easing economic pressures on Nigerians.
