Atiku Abubakar Sets Sights on 20 Million Votes, Urges Nigerian Youths to Shun Vote-Buying

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the nation's youths to actively participate in the upcoming 2027 elections, refusing to sell their votes and instead defending the integrity of the electoral process. Abubakar, who was accompanied by prominent politician Kashim Imam and the founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu, inaugurated state coordinators for the RiseUpNaija Movement (RUN). The movement aims to mobilize a significant number of votes for the ADC's presidential candidate. Atiku emphasized that he is not seeking office for personal gain, but rather to create a nation where leadership is accountable, institutions are strong, and opportunities are abundant for all citizens. During the RiseUpNaija Movement leadership retreat in Abuja, Atiku urged the youths to participate peacefully, vote responsibly, and defend the electoral process, stating that the collective will of the people cannot be overcome by any amount of money. The RiseUpNaija Movement comprises young men and women from various political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP). Atiku, who has spent a significant portion of his life fighting for democracy and the progress of Nigeria, expressed his conviction that the country can become a great nation. He believes that young Nigerians are the nation's greatest asset and that they have the potential to build a new democratic country. Atiku criticized the current political establishment for viewing young Nigerians as a restless population to be managed or manipulated, rather than as innovators and leaders. He urged the youths to vote for competence, character, and ideas in the 2027 elections, stating that their votes are more valuable than any amount of money a politician can offer. The Convener of the RiseUpNaija Movement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, challenged the state coordinators to intensify membership registration and establish structures across the country, with a target of 20 million active voters. A competition among states was announced, with a special prize for the state that records the highest membership within a month.