Atiku Urges Nigerian Youths To ‘Register, Organise, Lead’ At ADC National Youth Leadership Summit

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has charged Nigerian youths to take an active role in the country’s political process, urging them to “register, organise and lead” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while delivering an address at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he challenged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and actively participate in political organisation, elections and governance.

According to him, Nigerian youths have been told for decades that they are the “leaders of tomorrow,” but the time had come for them to take responsibility for the country’s future.

“Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” Atiku declared.

He said his engagement with the youths was not simply to solicit support for his presidential ambition, but to establish a partnership through which young Nigerians could participate directly in shaping the country’s political and economic future.

Atiku lamented the economic hardship confronting young Nigerians, including unemployment, rising living costs, limited access to capital and the growing migration of skilled Nigerians abroad in search of better opportunities.

He described the increasing trend of young Nigerians leaving the country as “Japa,” saying it represented more than a popular expression but reflected a system that had failed to give many young people sufficient confidence that their dreams could be achieved at home.

The former vice president, however, commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and ingenuity, noting their achievements in technology, entertainment, agriculture, fashion, digital businesses and the creative economy despite inadequate infrastructure and limited institutional support.

“If Nigerian youths can achieve so much while struggling against unreliable electricity, poor infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment and limited access to capital, imagine what you can accomplish when government actually works,” he said.

Atiku promises greater youth inclusion

Atiku promised that an ADC-led government would deliberately create greater opportunities for young Nigerians in politics and governance.

He said at least 30 per cent of the party’s legislative candidates would be below the age of 40, with an ambition to have a significant number below 30.

He, however, cautioned young people that political inclusion must be matched by competence, preparation and accountability.

“Do not simply complain about the people making decisions. Prepare yourselves to replace those who are failing you,” he told the gathering.

Atiku also pledged to expand transparent access to finance for young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, technology founders and people in the creative sector, stressing that political connections or access to influential individuals should not determine whether a viable business idea receives support.

He called for reforms in education to make it more relevant to the modern economy, with greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship.

He further advocated improved broadband and digital connectivity, describing digital infrastructure as essential to enabling young Nigerians across the country to participate in the modern economy.

On security, Atiku promised that an ADC administration would strengthen the country’s security architecture, improve training, equipment and welfare for security personnel, and adopt accountable community-based approaches to protecting lives and property.

Atiku raises alarm over Osun election

The ADC presidential candidate also expressed concern over the security arrangements ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that the election was conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the law.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” he said.

Atiku urged security agencies to protect voters rather than create an atmosphere of intimidation, while calling on INEC to ensure that election materials arrived promptly, accredited voters were allowed to vote freely, votes were counted honestly and results were transmitted transparently.

He warned that the conduct of the Osun election would have implications for public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.

‘Register, organise and lead’

Atiku identified registration, political organisation and leadership as three critical responsibilities for Nigerian youths seeking to influence the country’s future.

He urged young Nigerians to encourage eligible citizens to participate in the electoral process and to become active members of their communities and political structures.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Complaining on social media is not an organisation,” he said.

He urged youths to join political meetings, participate in ward activities, demand accountability and become involved in selecting those who represent them.

Atiku also warned against ethnic and religious divisions, arguing that unemployment, poverty and insecurity affect Nigerians regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

“Poverty has no tribe. Unemployment has no religion. Insecurity does not ask for your political party before it strikes,” he said.

He encouraged young Nigerians to seek elective positions and leadership roles at all levels, while also urging them to hold political leaders accountable.

“Do not become a youth wing that applauds everything its leaders say,” Atiku cautioned, stressing that political loyalty must not replace accountability.

‘Build the Nigeria you deserve’

Atiku painted a picture of a Nigeria where electricity is reliable, entrepreneurs can access financing without political connections, farmers have access to roads and markets, healthcare is affordable, schools provide relevant skills and elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.

He argued that Nigeria’s development would not come through miracles but through sound policies, competent leadership, strong institutions and active citizens.

Concluding his address, Atiku used the River Niger as a metaphor for political mobilisation, saying individual efforts could combine to create a powerful movement for democratic change.

He urged the youths to return to their states, local governments, wards, campuses and communities and transform the energy of the summit into political participation, ideas, candidates and votes.

“Let the river rise,” he declared.

Atiku reiterated his message that Nigerian youths should no longer see themselves merely as leaders of the future.

“Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he said.

He pledged to listen to young Nigerians, accept criticism and work with them, saying: “I am not asking to be your master. I am asking to be your candidate, your partner and, if Nigerians entrust me with the responsibility, your servant.”