The election presents an opportunity for Nigerians to elect leaders capable of making life more affordable and addressing the country’s economic challenges
By Moses Okorie
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has described the 2027 general election as a rescue mission for Nigerians, calling on voters to support the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to restore economic stability and improve living conditions.
Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC).
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the election, stressing that the outcome would determine the welfare of citizens and the future of their families.
According to him, the election presents an opportunity for Nigerians to elect leaders capable of making life more affordable and addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Atiku charged members of the campaign council to take the message to communities across the country and mobilise voters to support the party’s vision of economic recovery and improved living standards.
He also emphasised the importance of electoral transparency, warning that policy promises and security plans would have little value if votes were manipulated or stolen.
The former vice-president said Nigerians must have confidence that their votes would be accurately counted and their choices respected, describing the protection of electoral rights as fundamental to democracy.
He called for the participation of accredited party agents, civil society organisations and election observers in independently verifying results, noting that their activities would complement the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Atiku further advocated transparency and independent audits of election technology, insisting that electoral systems must be open to scrutiny rather than used to conceal irregularities.
He also called for severe sanctions against vote suppression, result manipulation and other forms of electoral fraud, saying such measures were necessary to protect the people’s mandate.
On political participation, the ADC presidential candidate condemned alleged attempts to prevent opposition candidates from campaigning in Benue State.
He maintained that no community should be inaccessible to opposition parties, pledging that ADC candidates would campaign across all states and resist unlawful restrictions on their political activities.
Addressing petroleum policy, Atiku advocated support for petroleum products refined locally and sold within the country. He proposed budgetary allocations, spending limits and independent audits to ensure accountability in the sector.
He said the country’s economic recovery must extend beyond fuel prices to include affordable food, reliable electricity, employment opportunities, business growth and improved security for roads and farms.
Atiku also called for the removal of barriers preventing young Nigerians from developing their talents and competing successfully on the global stage.
He argued that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly families struggling to meet their basic needs.
Describing the inauguration of the ADC-PCC as a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the election, Atiku praised council members as patriots and veterans of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He urged them to approach their responsibilities with urgency, dedication and a strong commitment to mobilising support for the party ahead of the 2027 general election.