2027: Atiku Urges Youths to Reject Vote-Buying Ahead of General Elections

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to reject vote-buying and political inducements ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that their votes are worth far more than temporary gifts.

Atiku made the appeal on Saturday during the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija (RUN) movement in Abuja, a youth-driven political platform supporting his presidential ambition.

Addressing members of the movement, Atiku said his desire to lead Nigeria was driven by a commitment to building a nation founded on accountable leadership, strong institutions and equal opportunities for all citizens.

“I stand before you today not merely as a former vice president or an elder statesman, but as a lifelong democrat who has never stopped believing that Nigeria can become the great nation its people deserve,” he said.

The former vice-president lamented the increasing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, saying many had lost confidence in the nation’s leadership.

Atiku urged youths to use their numerical strength to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections rather than allowing themselves to be manipulated along ethnic, religious or political lines.

“Young Nigerians constitute the largest voting population in our country. Yet, too often, you have allowed yourselves to be divided while a much smaller political class decides your future. That must end,” he said.

Warning against exchanging votes for gifts, Atiku said temporary incentives could never compensate for years of poor governance.

“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. A bag of rice will disappear,” he stated.

He also encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond online activism by actively participating in the electoral process through voter registration, volunteering, election observation and protecting the integrity of the polls.

According to him, while social media has become a powerful tool for influencing public discourse, real political change can only come through active civic engagement.

Atiku further called on Nigerians to vote based on competence, character and ideas rather than ethnicity or religion, urging citizens to reject violence, intimidation and vote-buying.

Meanwhile, RUN convener Kashim Ibrahim-Imam said the movement aims to build a nationwide grassroots structure capable of mobilising 20 million voters for the ADC in 2027.