Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said his bid for the 2027 presidency is driven by a commitment to accountable leadership, stronger institutions and equal opportunities for all Nigerians rather than the privileges of public office.
Atiku made the remarks on Saturday while addressing participants at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, where he called on young Nigerians to reject vote buying and actively participate in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I am not seeking office for its privileges,” Atiku said. “I seek it because I still believe in the Nigeria that 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 added that widespread youth participation in the electoral process would strengthen democracy and reduce the influence of money in elections.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly and defend the integrity of the process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people,” he said.
The former vice president spoke at the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement, a political mobilisation platform comprising young Nigerians drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other political groups. The movement has endorsed Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid on the platform of the ADC.
Also present at the event were Atiku’s political associate, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, and the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu.
The leadership retreat comes as political parties and interest groups continue to strengthen their grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties intensifying efforts to build support across the country.
Reflecting on his political career, Atiku said his decades of involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle had reinforced his belief in the country’s potential.
“I have spent the better part of my life fighting for democracy, justice and the progress of Nigeria. Time has given me experience, but it has not diminished my conviction,” he said.
“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 described Nigeria’s youth as the country’s greatest asset but argued that poor governance had prevented many from realising their full potential.
According to Atiku, many young Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation despite economic challenges, but inadequate leadership has contributed to unemployment, business difficulties and the emigration of skilled professionals.
He urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity and ideas when casting their ballots in the next general election.
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character. Let us vote for ideas. Let us vote for the future,” he said.
“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.”
Atiku also cautioned against accepting material incentives during election campaigns, arguing that the long-term consequences of poor leadership outweigh any short-term benefits offered to voters.
