Atiku Urges Nigerian Youths to Lead Democratic Rebirth, Reject Vote Buying Ahead of 2027
By Chukwuemeka Ogbonna Gregory
ABUJA – Former Vice President of Nigeria and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country's democratic future by actively participating in the electoral process, rejecting vote buying, and demanding accountable leadership.
Atiku made the call while delivering a keynote address titled "The Role of Youth in Building a New Democratic Nigeria" at the Riseup Naija Movement (RUN) Leadership Retreat held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.
Addressing participants drawn from across the country, the former Vice President said Nigeria's future rests largely in the hands of its youthful population, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens actively participate beyond social media activism.
Reflecting on his political journey, Atiku recounted his involvement in student activism and the pro-democracy struggle that culminated in Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999, noting that while democracy has survived, successive administrations have failed to deliver its full dividends.
He said, "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."
According to him, the country's weak institutions, worsening insecurity, unemployment, corruption and economic hardship have continued to deny millions of young Nigerians the opportunities they deserve.
The ADC presidential flag bearer maintained that his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election was driven by a commitment to rebuild Nigeria through accountable leadership, stronger institutions and expanded opportunities for all citizens.
He emphasized that no government can transform the country without the active involvement of young people, whom he described as Nigeria's greatest national asset.
"I see innovators building world-class businesses from laptops and mobile phones. I see creators, engineers, doctors, teachers and entrepreneurs proving every day that the Nigerian spirit cannot be defeated," he said.
Atiku warned young Nigerians against selling their votes or allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence during elections.
He declared, "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."
The former Vice President also urged politicians to earn the confidence of voters through competence, integrity and sound ideas rather than patronage or inducements.
As part of his roadmap for national renewal, Atiku outlined three strategic mandates for Nigerian youths: transforming social media engagement into active democratic participation, rejecting ethnic and religious divisions in favour of national unity, and becoming builders of a new Nigeria through peaceful civic engagement.
He encouraged young Nigerians to register to vote, protect the integrity of elections, educate first-time voters and reject all forms of electoral malpractice.
According to him, "The future is not something we inherit. The future is something we build."
Atiku further painted his vision of a Nigeria where quality education, employment opportunities, reliable electricity, security, innovation and meritocracy replace poverty, unemployment, insecurity and political patronage.
He expressed confidence that Nigerian youths possess the energy, intelligence and creativity required to reposition the country for sustainable development if given the opportunity to lead.
Reacting to the address, Comrade Diamond Bryan Agu, PhD, Imo State Coordinator of the Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN), described the speech as timely and inspiring, saying it reflected Atiku Abubakar's longstanding commitment to building a better Nigeria through democratic governance.
Agu commended the Rise Up Naija Movement for mobilising young Nigerians towards constructive political participation, adding that youth inclusion remains critical to the country's democratic and economic future.
He argued that meaningful youth participation in governance has largely been absent under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that Nigeria requires a new leadership approach anchored on competence, accountability and inclusion.
According to him, Nigerians should rise in support of good governance and national renewal, expressing confidence that an ADC administration led by Atiku Abubakar, with former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate, if elected in 2027, would confront the nation's economic, security and governance challenges decisively.
He urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate peacefully in the electoral process and remain committed to protecting democracy.
The Riseup Naija Movement (RUN) is one of the support platforms mobilising grassroots participation for the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement has continued to organise leadership retreats, voter education programmes and youth engagement initiatives across several states, with a focus on promoting democratic values, civic responsibility and issue-based politics.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria's Vice President between 1999 and 2007, is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections. His latest address forms part of ongoing consultations and engagements with youth groups and political stakeholders as campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.
