Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, stated on Saturday that his desire to create a country where institutions are strengthened, leadership is accountable, and every Nigerian has an equal chance to succeed is what motivates him to run for president in 2027 rather than personal ambition or the perks of office.
Atiku urged voters, especially the youth, to reject vote buying and protect the integrity of the electoral process while speaking to hundreds of young Nigerians at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja. He insisted that if citizens actively participated in the election, the collective will of the people would triumph.
“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 noted that, “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.”
“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.
“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.
“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.”
“The current political establishment often looks at young Nigerians and sees a restless population to be managed, manipulated or mobilised only during elections.
“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.
“Unfortunately, I also see enormous talent trapped by poor leadership. I see graduates searching endlessly for jobs that do not exist.
“I see entrepreneurs spending more money on diesel than on expanding their businesses.
“I see brilliant young people leaving Nigeria, not because they have stopped loving their country, but because they no longer believe their country loves them back,”
“In 2027, let us vote for competence. Let us vote for character. Let us vote for ideas. Let us vote for the future.
“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. A few thousand naira will be spent. A campaign T-shirt will eventually fade. But the consequences of electing incompetent leadership will remain with you long after the campaign has ended.
Earlier, the convener of the RiseUpNaija Movement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, charged the newly inaugurated state coordinators to intensify membership registration and establish functional structures across the country, setting a target of mobilising 20 million voters for the ADC presidential candidate.
“Our target is to have 20m active voters to deliver our candidate in 2027,” Imam said.
He announced a month-long competition among state chapters, with a special prize for the state that records the highest membership registration.
“We must have a presence in every polling unit. Our target is to have at least 100 members in every polling unit.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the RiseUpNaija Coordinating Council, Salihu Yakasai, said the movement was established to restore public confidence in democracy and mobilise Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Our responsibility is very clear. We must build an organisation that is active not only at the national level but in every state, every local government, every ward and ultimately every polling unit across Nigeria,” Yakasai said.
It is crucial for every voter to prioritize choosing leaders based on competence, integrity, and vision rather than material incentives. Making the right choice at the ballot box is essential for building a better, more prosperous Nigeria. Let us vote wisely and responsibly, because the future of our nation depends on our collective decision to elect leaders who truly deserve our trust.
Live with Purpose, Love with Passion. Remember to be happy
One 
Rose Ajieh
