Atiku Abubakar Inaugurates Campaign Coordinators, Targets 20 Million Votes

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched the RiseUpNaija Movement (RUN) in Abuja, aiming to mobilize 20 million votes for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate. He declared his pursuit of leadership is not for personal privilege but to build a nation with accountability, strong institutions, and abundant opportunities.

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I’m not seeking office for its privileges but to see a country 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.

Abubakar urged young Nigerians to engage actively in politics, reject vote-buying, and safeguard the integrity of elections. He emphasized that collective action and responsible voting by millions of young people can overcome financial influence in politics. The RUN movement comprises young individuals from various political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

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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.

Speaking at the RUN leadership retreat, Abubakar highlighted his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, and Nigeria's progress. He stated that his conviction remains strong, fueled by the daily denial of opportunities to millions of young Nigerians. He sees Nigerian youth not as a population to be managed or manipulated, but as the nation's greatest asset, comprising innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals whose spirit cannot be defeated.

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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.

However, Abubakar also acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Nigerian youth, including widespread unemployment and entrepreneurs struggling with high operational costs like diesel expenses. He noted the "brain drain" phenomenon, where talented young Nigerians leave the country not due to a lack of patriotism, but because of limited opportunities at home.

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I see something entirely different; I see the greatest national asset Nigeria has ever produced; I see innovators building world-class businesses from laptops and mobile phones; I see young farmers feeding communities despite enormous odds; I see creators, engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, artisans and professionals proving every day that the Nigerian spirit cannot be defeated.