- Atiku said his 2027 bid is about national development
- He urged youths to reject vote buying
- RiseUpNaija targets 20 million supporters for 2027
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election is motivated by a desire to build a more accountable, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria rather than a quest for political power.
Speaking on Saturday at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the Atiku urged Nigerians, especially young people, to reject vote buying and actively protect the credibility of the electoral process.
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He said genuine participation by millions of voters would ensure that the people’s choice prevails over financial inducement during elections.
“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,” he said.
The former vice president made the remarks during the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement, a political mobilisation platform comprising youths from different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other groups that have endorsed his 2027 presidential ambition on the ADC platform.
The event was attended by Atiku’s political associate, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, and the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu.
Reflecting on his political career, Atiku said his decades-long involvement in Nigeria’s democratic journey had strengthened his belief that the country could still achieve its full potential.
He described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest resource, praising their resilience, innovation and contributions despite difficult economic conditions.
According to him, poor leadership has continued to limit opportunities for many young Nigerians, forcing graduates to remain unemployed and entrepreneurs to struggle with rising operating costs.
He also lamented the growing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, saying many no longer believe Nigeria offers them a promising future.
Calling on citizens to make informed choices in the next general election, Atiku urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity and visionary leadership instead of accepting money or gifts during campaigns.
He warned that while campaign incentives such as cash, food items or branded materials may offer temporary relief, the consequences of electing ineffective leaders would last for years.
Earlier, convener of the RiseUpNaija Movement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, tasked newly inaugurated state coordinators with expanding the movement’s presence across the country.
He announced a target of mobilising 20 million voters in support of the ADC candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election and called for the establishment of structures in every polling unit nationwide.
Imam also unveiled a month-long membership registration competition among state chapters, with a reward for the state that records the highest number of new members.
In his remarks, Chairman of the RiseUpNaija Coordinating Council, Salihu Yakasai, said the movement was established to strengthen democratic participation and build grassroots support across all levels of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
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