Gịnị mere ụmụ amaala na ezinụlọ ha kwesịrị ịpụta ịtụ vootu n'agbanyeghị oke ịda ụda nke ntụpụta ịtụ vootu na ntuli aka gara aga?

Honours In 1982, at the unusually young age of 36, Atiku was appointed to the enviable position of Turaki Adamawa, a position of honour, and a position of high responsibility. Since then accolades have been bestowed on him from various monarchs across the six geo-political zones of the country. He holds the following titles: • Waziri of Adamawa (Adamawa Emirate) • Zege Mule U Tiv (Tiv Nation, Benue State), "Great Shelter of the Tiv Nation", conferred on 27 May 2001 • Sardauna of Ganye (Adamawa State) • Maiyedero of Lagos • Ekwueme of Anambra • Atayese of Ijeshaland • Zanna Zantaelma of Borno • Zanna Kawaskima of Yobe • Shettima of Biu (Borno State) • Suka of Ogoniland • Unuamani of Adamawa • Baagbile of Oke Ona Egba, Egbaland • Omekaojuora of Igbuzo • Otun Balogun of Mopaland • Nwanne Di na Mba of Ngor-Okpala (Imo State) • Enyioha Ndigbo In June 2017, he was elevated Waziri Adamawa, second in command only to the Lamido of Adamawa; the Waziri is one of the highest offices of the Adamawa Emirate and a senior kingmaker. On becoming Waziri he relinquished the title of Turaki Adamawa, which passed to his son, Aliyu. Rotary International and the National Peace Corps Association of the United States have recognised the former Vice President for matching his passion with his purse. In 2011, the National Peace Corps Association made him the first recipient of its Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award, for his contribution to democracy and to higher education in Africa. "No private business man in Africa has worked harder for democracy or contributed more to higher education than Atiku Abubakar," his citation read. (Source: National Peace Corps Association, https://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/cpages/wofford-award-winners) He is a Foundation Fellow of St Antony's College, University of Oxford (Source: St Antony's College, https://www.sant.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-atiku-abubakar/). On 30 June 2013, the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Switzerland, conferred on him an honorary doctorate in Diplomacy and International Relations. Atiku has also been honoured by a number of Nigerian universities: • PhD Honoris Causa, University of Maiduguri • PhD Honoris Causa, University of Calabar • PhD Honoris Causa, Igbinedion University, Okada • PhD Honoris Causa, Federal University of Technology, Yola • PhD Honoris Causa, Imo State University, Owerri • PhD Honoris Causa, Bayero University, Kano • PhD Honoris Causa, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji un. Earlier today, I led a delegation that included former governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Bindow Jubrilla, friends, associates, and my principal staff to pay my condolences to the family of my late Principal Secretary, Barr. Abdullahi Nyako over the passing away of the matriarch of the family, Hajia Fadima Abdullahi Nyako. We were received by Kamal Nyako. We prayed that Allah would have mercy on her and grant her rest in paradise. -AA

This morning, I attended the Nikkah ceremony of Musa Jamilu Jibrin, the son of Alhaji Jamilu Jibrin Lamido (Chokalin Adamawa) and Halima Abande Lawan at the Annur Mosque, Abuja. I wish the couple a blissful and blessed marriage. -AA

Yet that same INEC undermined the use of that technology during the elections and collation process and declared as winner someone who clearly did not win the Presidential election. They then went further to take sides in the courts in a dogfight to defend their illegality. Who would convince the millions of Nigerians to vote in future elections after they suffered endlessly on queues to register to vote, to collect PVCs and to vote, based on INEC’s assurances only to see their votes stolen and given to someone they did not vote for? When people lose trust and confidence in elections, democracy is practically on life support. And by affirming and legitimizing the continued lack of transparency in our electoral system the courts are continuing to usurp the rights of voters to elect their leaders. The other grave implication is that contestants in Nigeria’s elections should do whatever is necessary to be declared the winner. That includes identity theft, impersonation, forging of educational and other documents, perjury, and violence.

It was a rare privilege to perform today’s Juma’ah prayers with the Etsu Nupe, HRM Abubakar Yahaya CFR. Juma’ah Mufeeda. -AA

I am saddened by reports of the attack on Yargoje village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State, which claimed scores of lives and the kidnap of vulnerable women and children. It is also sad that the bandits ambushed the police armoured personnel carrier responding to the distress call at Gidan Tofa and Dan Nakwabo villages, killing four police officers and two members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. Most worrisome to me is that these acts of banditry and terrorism have become routine, with the government seemingly helpless and nonchalant about it despite the enormous annual budget for defence. While I sympathise with the families of the victims, I will once again call on the government to be alive to its responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens. -AA https://gazettengr.com/bandits-ambushed-patrol-team-killed-20-security-agents-in-katsina-police/

My trip to Katsina today also afforded me the opportunity to pay my condolences to the family of my late friend and associate, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, over the loss of the matriarch of the family, Hajiya Yalwa Kaita, where I was received by the Governor of Katsina, Dikko Umar Radda. I also paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Katsina, HRH Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, and the Emir of Daura, HRH Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk. -AA

Earlier today, I led a delegation to Bauchi to pay my condolences to the family of the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya, over the loss of their revered monarch. It was also an opportunity to show solidarity with the government and the people of Bauchi. I want to specially appreciate Governor Bala Mohammed for his courtesies during my visit. I pray that Allah SWT accepts his soul and grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus. -AA

Innalillahi Wa'inna Ilaihir Raji'un. I am saddened by the passing of Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, mother of my late mentor, Tafida Shehu Yar’Adua, late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, among others. In the absence of my beloved mother, I adopted Hajiya Dada as a mother. Indeed, she was a mother of multitudes, as her home was always a place of refuge where she welcomed everyone with love. She will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Atiku Abubakar family and team, I express my profound condolences to the Yar’Adua family, friends and associates over the loss of this gem of inestimable value. My condolences also go to the government and people of Katsina State. May her sins be forgiven and that she be granted Aljannah Firdausi. Ameen. -AA

It is my profound prayer that Almighty Allah expand the grave for Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua and shine her face with eternal Light. Ameen. -AA

This morning, I attended the wedding Fatiha of Hajiya Lubna Salihu Makarfi, daughter of Alhaji Salihu Makarfi, former Director General of National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), at the Gwarinpa District area of the FCT. May Allah bless the marriage. Amin. -AA

This morning, I led a delegation to Katsina on a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda over the loss of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara'u Umaru Barbari. I prayed that the Almighty Allah would comfort him and his immediate and extended family and that the soul of the departed would find eternal rest. -AA

Today, I charged the youths, not to give up on Nigeria's democracy notwithstanding the deliberate efforts of the ruling party to constrict the democratic space. My counsel to the youths was in response to a group of PDP Grassroots Supporters, FCT, led by Amb. Akin Akinleye, which paid me a visit on Wednesday in Abuja. The group visited to indicate its willingness to join forces with the new coalition. I admonished them that although elections keep being stolen and do not reflect the choice of the people, citizens should continue to come out to cast their votes during elections. I reminded them that even though we had over 90 million registered voters, not up to 30 million came out to vote in the 2023 elections. It is imperative that they show up to vote because it is about their future. Earlier, I had received the Sardaunan Matasa Forum (Kano Chapter), led by Alhaji Babangida Abubakar Sani.

The enthusiasm of Nigerians in the ongoing continuous voters registration of PVCs is commendable and indicative of the commitment of Nigerians to take their destinies in their hands in choosing their leaders in the next elections cycle. However, it is not just enough to demand that eligible voters register for their PVCs. It is pertinent that far-reaching electoral and judicial reforms are undertaken to ensure electoral integrity, strengthen public confidence, and promote judicial independence. Over time, the quality of our elections has continued to depreciate with voter turnout at an all-time low during the 2023 elections. Of the total 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million persons voted in the last presidential and National Assembly elections. This represents a meagre 26.72 per cent voter turnout, the lowest since the return to democracy in 1999.

I am extremely concerned at how young Nigerians are losing hope about the future of our country. Every time they come to have a conversation with me about bad governance, fraudulent elections, and resultant hardship being faced by citizens, I deeply feel sad about the situation. Yesterday evening, I received yet another group of youths from across the 19 Northern states, led by Alh. Adamu Bappa Gombe. They were worried about how their votes don't count and how bad governance and policies impact negatively on their standard of living and private businesses. I have continued to encourage them not to give up. I told them the change they desire can only come through the ballot. I reminded them that they have a responsibility to mobilize their fellow young people to keep participating in the process of leadership recruitment through elections. I reminded them that the change they desire cannot be attained by voter apathy and that 25% to 30% voter turnout in every election cycle is not encouraging. I challenged them to make a huge difference by influencing massive participation in 2027.

I am outraged by the barbaric attack in Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba, Jos, which claimed the lives of scores of innocent Nigerians and left many others injured. That this heinous assault occurred on Sunday night, March 29, 2026, is yet another damning indictment of the near-total collapse of security in our country. What we are witnessing is not merely a security lapse, but a tragic descent into lawlessness where human lives are treated as expendable. Despite endless pronouncements and so-called marching orders, insecurity remains the grim, daily reality of ordinary Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of a failing system. It is long past the time for outrage without action. The anger across the land must now compel urgent, decisive political will to confront and crush this menace. The continued slaughter of innocent citizens cannot become our new normal. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims in this dark and painful moment. -AA

This morning, I joined other patriotic leaders of the ADC, @ADCNig, led by our indefatigable National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, who sacrificed the comfort of his special day to participate in a peaceful protest against the partisanship of @inecnigeria and the tyranny of the Tinubu-led APC administration. I believe they received the message that this effort to undermine our democracy will not succeed. It will be resisted and challenged to the best of our abilities. I also hope that the international community is paying attention to the threat to Nigeria, its democracy, and the opposition. Nigeria shall be reclaimed. Nigeria shall be rebuilt. Nigeria shall Arise and Shine through our collective and united efforts. -AA

Question: Would you support zoning when it doesn’t personally benefit you and, if elected, would you support a Southern candidate to succeed you? Answer: I am not sure that there has been any politician in Nigeria who has made more sacrifice than me to protect the principle of power rotation. In the 1993 presidential election that produced the infamous June 12 crisis arising from the annulment of the presidential election, I withdrew from the race to create a path for the late Chief MKO Abiola to emerge as the candidate of our political party in that election. Similarly, in 2003, an overwhelming number of governors of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempted to prevail on me to jettison my support for President Olusegun Obasanjo and, instead, run for president myself. I declined their offer; I believed it was contrary to the zoning principle. If I am elected president in 2027, I would raise the bar of governance in Nigeria. It will be certain that only people with credible credentials—either from the South or North—will be bold enough to present themselves to succeed me.

Sources: • Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1934661716572315717, 2025-06-16 (Post on X) "Our efforts at forging a robust opposition coalition in response to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians to reclaim and rebuild their country today got…" • Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2087552029358956958, 2026-08-12 (Article on X) "Nigeria cannot continue asking competent young people to wait outside the room while their future is being decided inside it. MY COVENANT WITH YOU Our partne…" • Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2083634560516903378, 2026-08-01 (Article on X) "Go back to your markets. Become ambassadors of hope. Become educators. Become organisers. Become guardians of democracy.

Sources: • Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2103133598534574587, 2026-09-24 (Article on X) "ATIKU DONATES ₦20M TO FAMILIES OF MINNA CUSTODY DEATH VICTIMS, RESTATES PLAN TO LOWER LIVING COSTS Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidat…" • Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2101719167418388531, 2026-09-20 (Article on X) "TINUBU'S THIRD STRAIGHT UNGA ABSENCE: NIGERIA MUST NOT PAY FOR HIS AMERICAN BAGGAGE, ATIKU A seat was reportedly secured for Bola near United States Preside…" • Atiku Abubakar: Official biography, 2026-10-02, page 1 (PhD Honoris Causa, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun) "Atiku Abubakar (born November 25, 1946) is the former vice president of Nigeria. He has four wives from three different ethnic groups in Nigeria, and 27(?) c…" • Post by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/1968238688191619251, 2025-09-17 (Post on X) "Last night, I played host to political stakeholders from Borno State, led by Hon. Mohammed Kumaila. It is encouraging to see that more people, especially pol…" • Article by @atiku on X · https://x.com/atiku/status/2094810791937446399, 2026-09-01 (Article on X) "Atiku'…