Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasized the importance of protecting votes at the polling unit level ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the remark after receiving members of the Enugu Polling Booths Vanguard for Atiku, a group advocating for the protection of ballots and electoral integrity. The delegation was led by Obodoeze Ocho, who explained that the group is committed to ensuring that every vote counts during the next election cycle.
According to Atiku, safeguarding votes at the grassroots level is crucial to building confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“This afternoon, I received the Enugu Polling Booths Vanguard for Atiku, a group chiefly concerned with the sanctity of the ballots. They believe that every vote must count in 2027,” he said.
The former presidential candidate added that credible elections depend not only on electoral institutions but also on the active participation of citizens in protecting the integrity of the voting process.
“I fully agree with them that protecting votes at the Polling Units level is vital for the coming elections,” Atiku stated.
He further urged Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring that their votes are protected, noting that public vigilance would help strengthen trust in the electoral system.
“For us to have credible elections that earn voters’ trust, citizens must take the responsibility of safeguarding votes seriously. Votes will count if they are protected by those who cast them,” he added.
