Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns about the increasing frustration among Nigerian youths over poor governance, economic difficulties, and flawed electoral processes across the country.
In a detailed statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday, Atiku explained that he met with a group of young Nigerians representing all 19 northern states. The meeting, according to him, was meant to listen to the voices of young people and understand their growing dissatisfaction with the current political and economic system.
He said the youths expressed serious worries about what they described as “fraudulent elections” that deny them fair representation and a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.
Atiku stated, “Every time they come to have a conversation with me about bad governance, fraudulent elections, and the resultant hardship being faced by citizens, I deeply feel sad about the situation.”
He further disclosed that on Saturday evening, he received another delegation of youths led by Alhaji Adamu Bappa Gombe. The group, he said, lamented that their votes often do not count, while policies of government continue to worsen their standard of living and hinder their private businesses.
Atiku continued, “They were worried about how their votes don’t count and how bad governance and policies impact negatively on their standard of living and private businesses.”
Okay News reports that Atiku encouraged the youths not to surrender to hopelessness or political apathy. He urged them to remain optimistic and to see the ballot box as the strongest instrument of change in a democracy.
He said, “I have continued to encourage them not to give up. I told them the change they desire can only come through the ballot. I reminded them that they have a responsibility to mobilise their fellow young people to keep participating in the process of leadership recruitment through elections.”
Atiku further expressed disappointment over the low voter turnout recorded in past elections, which he said weakens democracy. According to him, “The change they desire cannot be attained by voter apathy, and that 25% to 30% voter turnout in every election cycle is not encouraging. I challenged them to make a huge difference by influencing massive participation in 2027.”
Reaffirming his long-standing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, the former Vice President vowed to continue opposing what he described as anti-democratic forces that threaten the nation’s unity and electoral integrity.
He maintained, “On our part, we shall not relent until Nigeria is recovered from anti-democratic forces.”
Atiku Abubakar served as Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Over the years, he has contested the presidential seat multiple times on different political platforms.
In a recent political development, the former Vice President has reportedly left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside his former rival, Peter Obi. The move is believed to be a strategic step towards forming a stronger opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political analysts believe that this collaboration could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as both leaders enjoy massive youth support across the country.
