Atiku pledges electoral reforms and lower living costs if elected

African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has pledged to end election rigging and strengthen the independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission if elected president in 2027. Atiku made the commitments in an address at the ADC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. He said results from every polling unit should be published promptly and that people found buying votes or altering results should be prosecuted, regardless of party affiliation.

He urged voters to protect their ballots, reject intimidation and examine candidates’ plans before the general election. Atiku said Nigerians should demand promises that could be measured objectively and hold elected officials accountable for delivering them. The former vice-president also said affordability and the protection of lives would be central to his administration.

He promised measures to reduce the cost of food, fuel and electricity, alongside improved access to healthcare and education. On fuel, Atiku proposed a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined locally, including by modular refineries. Imported petrol would not qualify, he said.

He promised that the costs would be published, payments independently audited and government waste reduced to help fund the programme. Atiku also promised to restore security in communities affected by insecurity, improve accountability in public spending and create productive employment for young people. He said budgets should function as delivery timetables showing funded projects, completed programmes and outstanding obligations.

He called for fair application of the rule of law and due process in cases involving detained or convicted citizens. He referred to the continued detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Nasir El-Rufai, and said Nnamdi Kanu’s right to a lawful appeal should be respected following his conviction. Atiku said he would work with running mate Rotimi Amaechi and ADC partners to pursue policies aimed at making basic necessities more affordable.