2027: Atiku Rallies Nigerian Youths to Reject Vote Buying, Build Movement for Democratic Renewal

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country’s democratic future by rejecting vote buying, political violence and divisive politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an address to members of the Riseup Naija Movement, Atiku urged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and actively participate in the electoral process, describing them as Nigeria’s greatest national asset.

According to him, democracy must deliver opportunities, protect lives and reward hard work rather than political connections.

“Democracy must create opportunities. It must protect lives. It must reward enterprise. It must give every young Nigerian confidence that hard work, not connections, will determine success.”

The former vice president said successive administrations had failed to build on the democratic gains achieved since 1999, citing weakened institutions, insecurity, corruption and economic hardship as reasons he decided to seek the presidency once again.

He stressed that rebuilding Nigeria cannot be achieved by one individual alone, insisting that the country’s future depends largely on the active participation of its youth population.

Atiku challenged young Nigerians to reject inducements during elections, warning that selling their votes amounts to sacrificing their future.

“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.”

He also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, urging them instead to demand competence, integrity and ideas from political leaders.

Outlining what he described as three strategic mandates for Nigerian youths, Atiku called on them to transform online activism into democratic participation by registering to vote, volunteering during elections and peacefully protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

He further urged Nigerians to reject politics based on ethnicity and religion, saying the country’s common challenges require a shared national purpose.

“The Nigeria we seek will never be built on ethnic suspicion or religious division. It will be built by citizens who understand that our diversity is a strength—not a weakness.”

The ADC presidential candidate also encouraged young people to build a nationwide movement rooted in integrity, peaceful democratic participation and civic engagement by educating first-time voters, discouraging vote buying and promoting peaceful elections.

Speaking on his vision for Nigeria, Atiku said he dreams of a country where education, employment, security, innovation and entrepreneurship flourish, while merit replaces political patronage.

He argued that Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not the absence of talented young people but the absence of leadership capable of unlocking their potential.

“The greatest tragedy before us is not that Nigerian youths lack talent. The greatest tragedy is that Nigeria has lacked leadership worthy of your talent.”

Concluding his address, Atiku urged the younger generation to become builders of a new Nigeria rather than mere critics, expressing confidence that they possess the capacity to restore hope and strengthen democracy.

“Do not merely demand a better Nigeria. Become the generation that builds it.”

He ended by calling on young Nigerians to rise above despair and work collectively toward rebuilding the country.

“Nigeria does not need another miracle. Nigeria needs courageous leadership, active citizenship, and a generation determined to make this nation work. I believe that generation is you.”