Atiku Calls on Nigerian Youths to Take Charge of Political Future, Urges Unity, Participation

Atiku Calls on Nigerian Youths to Take Charge of Political Future, Urges Unity, Participation

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on Nigerian youths to move beyond political frustration and take active responsibility for shaping the country’s future.

Atiku made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while addressing participants at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he urged young Nigerians to register, organise and seek leadership positions at all levels of government.

Speaking under the theme of youth political participation and national transformation, the former Vice President said Nigerian youths had been told for too long that they were the leaders of tomorrow, stressing that the time had come for them to assume leadership responsibilities.

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

He said the country’s young population had demonstrated remarkable resilience despite unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship, poor infrastructure and limited access to opportunities.

According to him, many young Nigerians have created businesses, built careers in technology and the creative industries, embraced agriculture and taken Nigerian culture to global audiences despite operating in a difficult environment.

He argued that the ingenuity of Nigerian youths showed what could be achieved if government institutions provided the right environment, infrastructure, financing and policies.

Atiku Promises Greater Youth Inclusion

Atiku criticised what he described as a political system that often mobilises young people during election campaigns but excludes them from meaningful decision-making after elections.

He said youth participation must go beyond rallies, social media campaigns and political appointments, advocating greater representation of young people in elected positions.

He pledged that under the ADC’s political programme, the party would deliberately create opportunities for younger Nigerians, including a commitment that at least 30 per cent of its legislative candidates would be below the age of 40, with a significant number below 30.

However, he challenged young Nigerians to prepare themselves for leadership by acquiring knowledge of governance, public finance, policymaking and institutional management.

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

Outlines Economic Opportunities for Youths

The former Vice President said an ADC-led administration would prioritise employment creation, entrepreneurship, education, digital infrastructure and access to finance.

He pledged to expand transparent financing opportunities for young entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, technology founders and people working in the creative economy, arguing that access to opportunity should not depend on political connections or the ability to secure a “godfather.”

He also called for reforms in education, saying Nigerian schools must equip students with skills relevant to the modern economy, including science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship.

Atiku further advocated improved broadband connectivity, describing digital access as essential infrastructure that should enable young Nigerians across the country to participate in the digital economy.

Calls for Stronger Security and Democratic Institutions

On security, Atiku said economic development could not thrive where citizens were afraid to travel, farm, attend school or operate businesses.

He called for stronger security institutions, better training and equipment, improved welfare for personnel and greater emphasis on accountable community-based approaches.

He also advocated stronger electoral institutions and transparent elections, saying Nigerians must be able to vote without fear and have confidence that their votes would count.

Atiku Raises Concerns Over Osun Election

The ADC presidential candidate also expressed concern over security arrangements for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, urging security agencies to protect voters rather than intimidate them.

He questioned the scale of security deployment around the election and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that electoral materials arrive on time, accredited voters are allowed to vote freely and results are counted and transmitted transparently.

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

Atiku described the Osun election as an important test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Urges Youths to “Register, Organise and Lead”

Atiku challenged young Nigerians to translate their frustrations into organised political participation, outlining three key actions: “Register. Organise. Lead.”

He urged eligible Nigerians to register and participate in elections, while encouraging youths to become active in their political wards and communities rather than limiting their participation to social media.

He also warned against allowing ethnic, religious and regional differences to divide young Nigerians, stressing that unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship affect citizens across the country regardless of their background.

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

The former Vice President further urged young members of the ADC to hold their own leaders accountable and to challenge the party whenever it deviates from its stated principles.

He said political loyalty should not mean unconditional support, stressing that accountability and constructive criticism were necessary for building strong democratic institutions.

“Let the River Rise”

Atiku concluded his address with an appeal for young Nigerians to turn the energy generated at the summit into sustained political participation across their communities.

Using the River Niger as an analogy, he said political change could begin with individual actions before growing into a powerful national movement.

He urged young Nigerians to take the message of the summit back to their states, local governments, wards, campuses and communities and transform political enthusiasm into organisation, ideas, candidates and votes.

“For too long, you have been called the leaders of tomorrow. I say again: Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”

He expressed confidence that a united and politically engaged Nigerian youth population could help build a country capable of matching the talent, ambition and aspirations of its people.

Atiku Calls on Nigerian Youths to Take Charge of Political Future, Urges Unity, Participation