Vote for competence, not bags of rice, Atiku tells Nigerians

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, stating his ambition is fueled by a commitment to building a Nigeria with accountable leadership and strengthened institutions.

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I am not seeking office for its privileges. 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.

Addressing young Nigerians at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, Abubakar urged them to reject vote buying and actively protect the integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized that the collective will of the people can overcome financial influence if citizens participate responsibly.

"I am not seeking office for its privileges," Abubakar stated. "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."

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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.

Abubakar, who attended the event with political ally Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, highlighted his decades-long dedication to Nigeria's democratic struggle. He expressed that his conviction in the country's potential remains strong, inspired by the daily sight of young Nigerians denied opportunities.

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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 described Nigeria's youth as the nation's greatest asset, lamenting that poor governance hinders their potential. The retreat coincided with opposition forces intensifying efforts to build grassroots support against the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general election.

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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.