Atiku urges Nigerians to reject vote-buying, support competent leaders in 2027

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians, particularly young voters, to reject vote-buying and support leaders with competence, character and clear ideas in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Saturday at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, Atiku said his presidential ambition is not driven by the benefits of office but by a desire to build a country where leadership is accountable, institutions are strong and citizens have equal opportunities to succeed.

He told hundreds of young Nigerians at the event that active and peaceful participation in the electoral process would ensure that the will of the people prevails over money politics.

According to him, no amount of financial inducement can defeat the collective will of citizens who vote responsibly and protect the integrity of elections.

Atiku made the remarks during the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement, a youth-driven political mobilisation platform that has endorsed his 2027 presidential bid on the ADC platform. The movement includes members from different political parties, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party and NNPP.

The former vice president attended the event alongside his ally, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, and the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu.

Reflecting on his political journey, Atiku said his decades of involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle have strengthened his belief that the country can still achieve greatness.

He described Nigeria’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, praising young entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and innovators who continue to excel despite economic and social challenges.

However, he lamented that poor governance has trapped many talented young Nigerians in unemployment and hardship, forcing some to seek opportunities abroad.

Atiku said many graduates are unable to find jobs, while entrepreneurs spend more on energy costs than on expanding their businesses.
He called on voters to make informed choices in 2027, warning against exchanging their future for temporary inducements such as cash, food items or campaign souvenirs.

According to him, while a bag of rice or a few thousand naira may be consumed quickly, the consequences of electing incompetent leaders can last for years.

Earlier, the convener of the RiseUpNaija Movement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, charged the newly inaugurated coordinators to intensify membership registration and establish structures in every polling unit across the country.

He said the movement aims to mobilise 20 million active voters for the ADC candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Imam also announced a month-long competition among state chapters, with a prize for the state that records the highest membership registration, adding that Adamawa State is currently leading the exercise.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the RiseUpNaija Coordinating Council, Salihu Yakasai, said the movement was created to restore public confidence in democracy and build a functional organisation from the national level down to every polling unit in the country.