Atiku to Nigerian Youths: Register, Organise, Lead for a Better Nigeria

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to take active ownership of the country’s political future by registering, organising and seeking leadership positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while addressing participants at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he challenged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and become active participants in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking under the theme “Register. Organise. Lead,” Atiku said Nigerian youths have been told for too long that they are the leaders of tomorrow, stressing that “your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”

He said his engagement with the youth was not merely to seek electoral support but to establish a partnership through which young Nigerians could participate directly in shaping the country’s political and economic future.

According to him, youths have been mobilised by politicians during election campaigns to fill rallies and defend political leaders, only to be excluded from meaningful decision-making after elections.

Atiku pledged that under his political programme, the ADC would deliberately create space for a new generation of political leaders, including a commitment that at least 30 per cent of the party’s legislative candidates would be below the age of 40, with a significant number expected to be under 30.

He, however, challenged young Nigerians to prepare themselves for leadership by acquiring knowledge of government, public finance, policymaking and institutional processes.

“Do not simply complain about the people making decisions. Prepare yourselves to replace those who are failing you,” he said.

Atiku promises jobs, education and digital opportunities

The former Vice President outlined economic opportunities, education, digital connectivity and security as key areas requiring urgent attention to improve the lives of young Nigerians.

He promised that an ADC administration would expand transparent access to finance for young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, technology founders and those operating in the creative economy.

He also called for reforms in education, saying Nigerian schools must prepare young people for the realities of a modern economy by placing greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship.

Atiku further promised to treat broadband and digital connectivity as essential national infrastructure, saying young Nigerians across the country should have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy.

On security, he pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve training, equipment and welfare for security personnel, while supporting accountable community-based approaches to security.

Raises concern over Osun governorship election

Atiku also expressed concern over the security arrangements ahead of the Osun State governorship election, warning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the Federal Government against actions that could undermine a peaceful and credible electoral process.

He described elections as “civil engagements, not military operations,” and urged security agencies to protect voters rather than create an atmosphere of fear.

The ADC presidential candidate called on INEC to ensure that election materials arrive on time, accredited voters are allowed to vote freely, votes are counted honestly and results are transmitted transparently in accordance with the law.

“Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” Atiku said.

He warned that the conduct of the Osun election would have implications for public confidence in the 2027 general elections.

‘Register, organise and lead’

Atiku urged young Nigerians to return to their communities, campuses, workplaces and wards to mobilise eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process.

He argued that registration alone would not be enough without political organisation and participation.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Complaining on social media is not an organisation,” he said.

He also urged youths to reject ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that unemployment, poverty and insecurity affect Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political backgrounds.

Atiku further challenged young people to contest elections, seek leadership positions and contribute to national development through entrepreneurship, journalism, technology, agriculture, education and other fields.

He also asked the youth to hold political leaders accountable, including himself, warning against blind loyalty within political parties.

‘Let the river rise’

Imagining a better Nigeria, Atiku said the country could achieve reliable electricity, easier access to business financing, improved agricultural infrastructure, quality healthcare, better education and credible elections if strong institutions, consistent policies and accountable leadership were established.

Using the River Niger as a metaphor for collective political action, he urged youths to take the message of the summit back to their communities and transform their energy into participation, ideas, candidates and votes.

“Every young Nigerian who decides that hopelessness is no longer acceptable adds another stream,” he said.

Atiku concluded by reiterating his call for young Nigerians to take responsibility for their future.

“For too long, you have been called the leaders of tomorrow. I say again: Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he said.