2027: Atiku Urges Nigerian Youths to Reject Vote-Buying, Says 'A Bag of Rice Will Disappear'
By The Analyst Online Media
ABUJA — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerian youths to reject vote-buying and other forms of electoral inducement ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that temporary gifts from politicians cannot solve the country's long-term challenges.
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja during the inauguration of state coordinators of RiseUpNaija (RUN), a political movement supporting his presidential ambition, Atiku urged young Nigerians to prioritise competence, integrity and national development over short-term material benefits.
According to the former presidential candidate, many politicians exploit poverty by offering food items and cash to influence voters during elections, a practice he described as detrimental to Nigeria's democratic development.
"A bag of rice will disappear within a short time, but the consequences of electing the wrong leaders can last for years," Atiku told the gathering, stressing that the future of the country should not be traded for temporary incentives.
He encouraged the youth, who constitute a significant proportion of Nigeria's voting population, to become active participants in the democratic process by mobilising their communities and supporting credible leadership.
The former vice-president also charged members of the RiseUpNaija movement to embark on grassroots mobilisation across the country, saying the 2027 election presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reshape the nation's political and economic direction.
Atiku maintained that Nigeria requires visionary leadership capable of addressing the country's economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and governance challenges.
He further urged supporters to conduct their political activities peacefully and within the confines of the law, emphasising that issue-based campaigns and voter education should take precedence over divisive politics.
The inauguration of the state coordinators marks another step in the mobilisation efforts of the RiseUpNaija movement as political stakeholders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.