File: Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the rising cost of living and insecurity in Nigeria, promising to make life affordable and restore security if given the opportunity to lead the country.
Atiku made the pledge in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, where he urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the next general election.
The former Vice President said Nigerians across different age groups were struggling with economic hardship and growing security concerns.
“My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying,” Atiku wrote.
He lamented that parents were worried about feeding their children, while pensioners were forced to make difficult choices between buying food and purchasing medicines.
The former vice-president also expressed concern over the financial difficulties facing young Nigerians, noting that many workers could barely meet their basic needs despite their earnings.
“Young people work hard, yet transport, rent and basic needs consume what they earn,” he said.
Atiku further decried the persistent threat of kidnapping and attacks across the country, saying many families lived in fear for the safety of their loved ones.
“And across the country, families live with the fear of kidnapping, attacks and whether their loved ones will return home safely,” he added.
He said Nigerians should not be forced to endure hunger and insecurity simultaneously, warning against allowing the prevailing challenges to become the future inherited by younger generations.
“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 stated.
Calling on eligible voters to participate in the electoral process, he urged registered voters to collect and safeguard their PVCs, describing the cards as instruments for demanding change through peaceful democratic participation.
“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.
Atiku, who has been a presidential candidate in previous elections, blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the high cost of living and pledged to reverse the trend.
“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he said.
He called for national unity across generations, urging Nigerians to support his vision of a country where families could live safely and with dignity.
“Let us stand together, across generations, and vote for a Nigeria where every family can live with dignity, safety and hope,” he added.