Atiku Urges Nigerian Youths to Reject Vote-Buying and Ethnic Politics
Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has appealed to Nigerian youths to shun vote‑buying and other electoral inducements as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.
The ADC presidential candidate said his ambition is driven by a desire to build accountable leadership, strengthen public institutions, and create equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
“I stand before you not only as a former vice‑president or elder statesman, but as a lifelong democrat who still believes Nigeria can become the great nation its people deserve,” Atiku declared.
He voiced concern over the rising tide of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better prospects abroad.
“I see brilliant young people departing Nigeria, not because they have stopped loving their homeland, but because they no longer feel that their country loves them back,” he added.
Atiku reminded the audience that youths constitute the largest voting bloc in the nation and must wield that numerical strength to shape electoral outcomes.
He accused political actors of exploiting ethnic, religious, and other divisions to fragment the youth vote, allowing a small elite to dictate the future.
“Young Nigerians make up the majority of voters, yet too often you allow tribe, religion, and manipulation to divide you while a minority decides your destiny. That must change,” he stressed.
The former vice‑president warned that accepting money or food from politicians undermines the ability to demand responsible governance.
“Your vote is worth far more than any cash inducement a politician can offer. Do not trade four years of your future for a single afternoon of handouts. A bag of rice will disappear,” he cautioned.
Atiku unveiled three strategic mandates for the youth movement, chief among them converting social‑media activism into tangible democratic participation.
He praised young Nigerians for using digital platforms to spark public debate, demand accountability, and mobilise around national issues.
However, he warned that online campaigns alone cannot determine election results or safeguard the integrity of the vote.
“Hashtags do not count votes. Livestreams do not secure polling units. Tweets do not defend democracy. Only citizens do,” he said.
He urged youths to register, verify their voter details, study the Electoral Act, and engage in election monitoring.
“Our challenge for 2027 is clear: transform online influence into offline action. Register to vote, confirm your registration, understand the Electoral Act, volunteer, serve as polling agents, observe the process, and protect the people’s mandate peacefully and lawfully,” he urged.
Atiku acknowledged that established political groups possess deep pockets, but argued that the sheer number of engaged young voters can outweigh money‑driven politics.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly, and defend the electoral process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people. Democracy belongs to those who show up,” he stated.
He called on youths to reject attempts to split them along ethnic and religious lines, insisting that the nation’s shared challenges should forge a common purpose.
“Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Nigerian politics is that those who profit from our divisions have convinced us that our neighbour is our enemy. Our shared challenges must produce a shared purpose,” he said.
The ADC candidate stressed that Nigeria cannot be rebuilt on ethnic suspicion or religious intolerance; instead, its diversity should be seen as a strength.
He urged voters to judge candidates on competence, character, and ideas rather than identity or financial handouts.
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character, ideas, and the future. Encourage peaceful participation. Reject violence, intimidation, vote‑buying, and every attempt to turn democracy into a marketplace where votes are bought instead of earned. Our democracy deserves better,” Atiku concluded.
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