Atiku Warns Against Vote Buying, Tells Youths: 'A Bag of Rice Will Disappear'

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to reject vote buying and political inducements, warning that short-term rewards could cost them four years of their future.

Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija (RUN) movement in Abuja, Atiku said Nigeria's future depends on young voters making informed choices and actively participating in the electoral process.

He said his presidential ambition is driven by a commitment to build a nation founded on accountable leadership, strong institutions and equal opportunities.

"I stand before you today not merely as a former vice president or an elder statesman, but as a lifelong democrat who has never stopped believing that Nigeria can become the great nation its people deserve," Atiku said.

Expressing concern over the growing emigration of young Nigerians, he said many were leaving the country because they had lost confidence in its future.

"I see brilliant young people leaving Nigeria, not because they have stopped loving their country, but because they no longer believe their country loves them back," he said.

The former vice president urged young Nigerians to leverage their voting strength rather than allow themselves to be divided along ethnic, religious or political lines.

"Young Nigerians constitute the largest voting population in our country. Yet, too often, you have allowed yourselves to be divided by tribe, religion and political manipulation while a much smaller political class decides your future. That must end," he said.

Atiku also warned against exchanging votes for cash or food items during elections.

"Your vote is far more valuable than any amount of money a politician can offer. Do not exchange four years of your future for one afternoon of inducement. A bag of rice will disappear," he said.

He further challenged young people to move beyond online activism by registering to vote, verifying their voter registration, volunteering for campaigns, serving as polling agents and peacefully defending the electoral process.

"Hashtags do not count votes. Livestreams do not secure polling units. Tweets do not defend democracy. Only citizens do," he said.

Atiku also called for issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election, urging Nigerians to elect leaders based on competence, character and ideas rather than sentiment or inducement.