Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside political ally Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and founding National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu, has inaugurated state coordinators of the RiseUpNaija Movement (RUN), charging the group to mobilise 20 million votes for the ADC’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku made the call on Saturday in Abuja during the RiseUpNaija Movement leadership retreat, where he said his political ambition was not driven by personal benefits but by a desire to build a Nigeria where leadership is accountable, institutions are stronger, and citizens have equal opportunities.
The former vice president urged young Nigerians to take active roles in the democratic process, reject vote-buying, and protect the integrity of elections.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly and defend the integrity of the process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people,” Atiku said.
The RiseUpNaija Movement comprises young Nigerians drawn from various political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Addressing the gathering, Atiku said his years in public life had strengthened his commitment to democracy, justice, and national development.
He described himself not only as a former vice president but as a lifelong democrat who believes Nigeria can achieve its potential.
“The fire that inspired me as a young student activist still burns today because every day I see millions of young Nigerians denied opportunities that should have been theirs,” he said.
Atiku said Nigerian youths represent the country’s greatest asset, highlighting their achievements in technology, agriculture, business, healthcare, education, and other sectors.
However, he lamented that poor leadership had prevented many young Nigerians from reaching their full potential, pointing to unemployment, business challenges, and the migration of skilled citizens abroad.
The ADC presidential candidate urged Nigerians to vote based on competence, character, and ideas in 2027.
“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,” he said.
Atiku warned that temporary incentives during election campaigns could not outweigh the long-term consequences of poor leadership.
Meanwhile, the convener of the RiseUpNaija Movement, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, challenged the newly inaugurated state coordinators to expand the movement’s membership and establish structures nationwide.
He said the group’s goal was to register 20 million active voters to support its candidate in the 2027 election.
“Our target is to have at least 100 members in every polling unit,” Ibrahim-Imam said.
He explained that with about 176,000 polling units across Nigeria, the target could produce more than 17.6 million registered members.
Ibrahim-Imam also announced a competition among states, with a special reward for the state that records the highest membership registration within one month.
He disclosed that Adamawa State currently leads in membership registration and encouraged other states to surpass the record.
Earlier, Chairman of the RiseUpNaija Coordinating Council, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, said the movement was created to restore confidence in democracy and mobilise citizens ahead of the 2027 general election.
Yakasai said the organisation, which started as a small gathering at Ibrahim-Imam’s residence, had expanded across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the retreat was designed to strengthen the movement’s structures from the national level down to polling units.
“Our responsibility is very clear. We must build an organisation that is active not only at the national level but in every state, every local government, every ward, and ultimately every polling unit across Nigeria,” Yakasai said.
He added that the grassroots network would become a major support base for the ADC and Atiku’s presidential campaign.
Yakasai said the movement’s backing for Atiku was based on principles rather than personality, citing the need for competent leadership, economic recovery, national unity, and improved security.
