2027: I’m Running To Build A Better Nigeria – Atiku

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election is driven by a desire to build a Nigeria founded on accountable leadership, strong institutions and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Speaking on Saturday at the RiseUpNaija Movement Leadership Retreat in Abuja, Atiku told hundreds of young Nigerians that his ambition was not about the privileges of public office but about addressing the country’s leadership challenges.

“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 also urged young Nigerians to reject vote buying and actively participate in the electoral process, arguing that massive voter turnout would outweigh the influence of money during elections.

“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,” he added.

The event featured the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement, a political mobilisation platform comprising young Nigerians drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other political groups. The movement has endorsed Atiku’s 2027 presidential bid on the platform of the ADC.

Atiku attended the retreat alongside political associate Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu.

Reflecting on his decades-long involvement in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, the former vice president said his commitment to the country’s progress had remained unwavering despite the nation’s challenges.