Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerian youths to reject vote-buying and ethnic manipulation as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.
Atiku spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the inauguration of state coordinators for RiseUpNaija, a political movement backing his presidential bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said his ambition rests on building accountable leadership, strengthening public institutions, and creating equal opportunity for Nigerians.
“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,” Atiku said.
He pointed to the exodus of young Nigerians abroad as evidence of a broken social contract. “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 said.
Atiku noted that young people make up Nigeria’s largest voting bloc, yet remain divided along tribal and religious lines that a smaller political class exploits to hold onto power.
“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 warned that accepting cash or food from politicians costs voters their leverage to demand better governance. “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,” he said.
Turning hashtags into votes
Atiku laid out three mandates for the youth movement, starting with converting social media activism into concrete electoral participation.
He praised young Nigerians for driving national conversations online but cautioned that digital engagement alone cannot decide elections or protect the vote.
“Hashtags do not count votes. Livestreams do not secure polling units. Tweets do not defend democracy. Only citizens do,” he said.
He called on youths to register to vote, confirm their voter details, familiarize themselves with the Electoral Act, and take part in monitoring the polls.
“Register to vote. Verify your registration. Understand the Electoral Act. Volunteer. Serve as polling agents. Observe the process. Protect the people’s mandate peacefully and lawfully,” he said.
Atiku acknowledged that established parties command deep financial resources, but argued that numbers can outmatch money if young voters show up.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly and defend the integrity of the process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people. Democracy belongs to those who show up,” he said.
He also pushed back against ethnic and religious division, arguing that Nigeria’s common problems should unite rather than split its people.
“Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Nigerian politics is that those who benefit from our divisions have convinced us that our neighbour is our enemy. Our shared challenges must produce a shared purpose,” he said.
Atiku urged voters to judge candidates on competence and character rather than identity or handouts.
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character, ideas and for the future. Encourage peaceful participation. Reject violence, intimidation, vote-buying and every attempt to make democracy a marketplace where votes are purchased instead of earned. Our democracy deserves better,” he said.
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