2027: Atiku Urges Youths To Reject Vote Buying, Divisive Politics

Former Vice President 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.

Atiku made the call in a lengthy statement shared on his official X account, where he urged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and become active participants in the democratic process, describing them as the nation’s greatest asset.

Addressing young Nigerians across the country, the former presidential candidate reflected on his decades-long involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, saying his commitment to justice and national development remains unwavering.

“Look at me. Look closely. I have spent the better part of my life fighting for democracy, justice and the progress of our beloved country. Time has given me experience, but it has not diminished my conviction.

“The fire that inspired me as a young student activist still burns today because every day I see millions of young Nigerians denied opportunities that should have been theirs,” he said.

Recalling his role in the pro-democracy movement and Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, Atiku said democracy must go beyond elections to deliver opportunities, security and prosperity for citizens.

“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.

“That is where our country has fallen short. Successive administrations have failed to build consistently upon the democratic foundation that was laid. Institutions have weakened. Public trust has diminished. Corruption has become entrenched.”

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The former Vice President said he decided to seek the presidency once again because he believes Nigeria can still fulfil its potential under accountable leadership.

“I am not seeking office for its privileges. I am seeking it because I believe Nigeria can still become the country we all know it is capable of becoming, a nation where leadership is accountable, institutions are strong, opportunities are abundant and every citizen, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed.”

He challenged young Nigerians to resist ethnic and religious divisions, insisting that competence and integrity should determine electoral choices.

“My challenge to you today is simple: What good is the strength of a giant if the giant refuses to rise?

“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.”

Atiku also warned against selling votes for financial inducements, describing the ballot as the most powerful instrument available to citizens in a democracy.

“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.

“When you sell your vote, you are not merely exchanging a ballot paper. You are surrendering opportunities that belong to your generation. You are surrendering better schools. Better hospitals. Safer communities. Reliable electricity. More jobs. A stronger economy.”

The former Vice President further urged youths not to become tools of political violence, noting that many politicians only remember them during election campaigns.

“Do not mortgage your future to people who remember your name only during campaigns. The greatest service you can render any politician is not fighting for him. It is insisting that he earns your vote through ideas, character, competence and integrity.”

Outlining what he described as three strategic mandates, Atiku urged young Nigerians to transform online influence into electoral participation by registering to vote, serving as polling agents and defending the integrity of elections peacefully.

“We must transform online influence into offline participation. 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 also called on Nigerians to reject politics built on ethnic and religious divisions, arguing that unemployment, insecurity, inflation and poor infrastructure affect citizens regardless of their backgrounds.

“Our shared challenges must produce a shared 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.”

Atiku concluded by expressing confidence in the country’s youth, urging them to build a movement anchored on peaceful democratic change and national renewal.

“I believe in the Nigerian youth. I believe in your intelligence. I believe in your creativity. I believe in your resilience. And I believe that if we work together, there is no obstacle too great for our nation to overcome.

“Together, let us rise. Together, let us rebuild. Together, let us renew the promise of our great nation.”