Atiku accuses Tinubu of making life expensive, urges voters to collect PVCs ahead of 2027 polls
Atiku Abubakar
Abdullateef Fowewe
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, on Wednesday highlighted the daily struggles of Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing widespread hunger, soaring living costs, and insecurity.
In a video message posted on his X account, Atiku addressed citizens noting, “My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying. Parents go to bed worried about what they will feed their children tomorrow. Pensioners must choose between buying medicine and buying food. Young people work hard, yet transport, rent and basic needs consume what they earn. And across the country, families live with the fear of kidnapping, attacks and whether their loved ones will return home safely.”
He added, “No family should have to face hunger and insecurity at the same time. We cannot allow this hardship and fear to become the future our children inherit.”
Atiku, who is set to challenge Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“If you are a registered voter, please go and collect your PVC. Hold on to it. It is your voice, your choice and your peaceful power to demand change,” he said.
Directly criticising the incumbent, Atiku said, “Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves. Let us stand together, across generations, and vote for a Nigeria where every family can live with dignity, safety and hope.”
Atiku, 79, served as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007.
He previously contested the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and 2023, losing both times to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
After resigning from the PDP in 2025 amid internal divisions, he joined the ADC and emerged as its presidential candidate following the party’s May 2026 primary.
His running mate is former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed Atiku among 18 presidential candidates for the 2027 polls, with Tinubu seeking re-election on the APC ticket.
Atiku’s campaign has repeatedly focused on economic hardship and insecurity, describing the upcoming election as a “rescue mission” for Nigerians.
He has previously criticised Tinubu’s policies, including fuel subsidy removal and temporary relief measures, arguing they have deepened poverty and failed to address food insecurity and rising costs.
