Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the rising cost of living and worsening insecurity in Nigeria, promising to work towards making life affordable and restoring security if given the opportunity to lead the country.
Atiku also urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use their votes to demand improved living conditions and better governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former presidential candidate made the appeal in a video message shared on his X page, where he highlighted the economic difficulties confronting households, including the rising costs of food, transportation, rent and healthcare.
He expressed concern over the struggles of parents, pensioners and young people, saying many Nigerians could no longer meet their basic needs despite working hard to earn a living.
Atiku also raised concerns about kidnapping and violent attacks across the country, noting that insecurity had left many families worried about the safety of their loved ones.
Addressing Nigerians in the video, he said, “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.
“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.”
The former vice-president urged eligible Nigerians to take an active interest in the electoral process, describing the PVC as an essential instrument for citizens to influence the country’s political direction.
He appealed to registered voters who had yet to collect their cards to do so, stressing that voting provided a peaceful means of demanding change in leadership and governance.
“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 subsequently criticised Tinubu over the rising cost of living, presenting himself as an alternative who would prioritise economic relief and improved security.
“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,” he said.
The statement comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with economic hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living featuring prominently in public debate.
Atiku’s message links the collection of PVCs and participation in the forthcoming elections to citizens’ ability to express their political preferences and demand accountability from those seeking public office.
