Kí ni ìwọ ń retí lọ́wọ́ àwọn alátìlẹ́yìn yàtọ̀ sí ìdúró ṣinṣin àti ìyìn?

The praises of the administration in which I served as number two man and chaired several committees and initiatives are well in order and one of our strengths in power was always the ability to listen to divergent opinions – to disagree without being disagreeable. Through various political formations over the years, I have observed that affording opposing forces the political space to thrive is never a flaw, but a strength that enriches democracy in that our best ideas are then tested and subjected to various viewpoints, leading to refinement and superb execution. As a foremost leader in the political space, I understand the frustration of a younger generation with a country of so much promise, so little delivery and a gloomy outlook for the future. I have, however, been strident in calling for restraint and leading by example by not unnecessarily heating up the polity. Where opposition freedoms are, however, under threat or even the appearance of threat, we, as Democrats and Patriots, have a duty to speak up.

It is worthy of celebration and commendation must go to the people of our great country. I must also congratulate the political class for having embraced the rectitude of nurturing a democracy, as well as the civil society. It is important that all stakeholders continue to do their bit to ensure the sustainability of our democracy. But our democracy is not yet virile if it continually fails to deliver the promises of prosperity and liberty to the people. However, the past nine years has thrown up a regime of extreme hardship manifested in excruciating poverty and unprecedented levels of violence and insecurity upon our people. Sadly, the ruling All Progressives Congress is to blame for bringing forth this dawn of gloom. But the opposition political parties are even more guilty than the ruling party for the seeming lack of capacity to come together and galvanize a coalition that will retire the ruling party and articulate a plan of good governance that will earn the conviction of Nigerians.

I am heartened by the acknowledgement by the Nigerian Army of the tragic incident involving the loss of a young protester's life. May I also suggest that other killings that have taken place by either the military, the police and other security agencies during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest be investigated in the same spirit of accountability. The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this regrettable event is a commendable step towards ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law. My longstanding advice to the service chiefs and military commanders has been clear: there must be no authorization to use lethal force against peaceful protesters. The principle of accountability must be upheld at all times, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, I trust, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle. Even in times of conflict, it is imperative to adhere to the rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be involved in the suppression of civil rights protests. -AA

I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester's life. I also urge for thorough investigations into other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during these protests, in the spirit of accountability. The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law. I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorized. Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle. Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests. -AA

I call on the political elite to unite in the noble mission of safeguarding our democracy from the brink of authoritarianism. Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations. It is deeply regrettable that our current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power. Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression. In closing, I make an impassioned appeal to political leaders across all party lines: let us forge a formidable coalition, one that will provide Nigerians with a credible opposition capable of steering our beloved nation towards a promising future. -AA #October1

Condemnation after the fact is not enough. What is needed are proactive, preventive actions. As long as these criminals face no real consequences, they will continue to return to inflict more pain on innocent people. I urge the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation that allows state governments to properly arm and equip their security outfits with modern weapons. This will strengthen our overall security architecture and help relieve the overstretched federal security agencies. At the same time, I must call on community members to reject collaboration with armed groups and instead support our security forces by sharing intelligence. Security is a shared responsibility. I commend the courage and sacrifices of our security forces. Their efforts remain invaluable, but they need the full support of the people and a government that prioritizes security, not just with words but with decisive action.

It must become the beginning of a national movement. A movement that educates. A movement that organises. A movement that unites. A movement that inspires. A movement that protects democracy. And a movement that reminds every Nigerian that public office is a sacred trust, not a private inheritance. To our political leaders across all parties, I say this respectfully: Young Nigerians are not merely a voting population to be remembered every four years. They are citizens to be respected. Partners to be engaged. Leaders to be developed. The future custodians of our Republic. Open the doors of leadership to them. Trust them with responsibility. Reward competence above loyalty. Reward integrity above patronage. Create opportunities that allow them to fulfil their enormous potential. To the young Nigerians gathered here today, I leave you with this challenge. Do not merely demand a better Nigeria.

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 partnership must also mean something practical in the lives of young Nigerians. It begins with jobs and enterprise. Nigeria has millions of young people with ideas, energy and ambition, but too many cannot access the capital required to turn those ideas into businesses. We will expand transparent access to finance for young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, technology founders and people working in the creative economy. Your surname, political connection or ability to find a godfather should not determine whether a good idea receives an opportunity to succeed. Education must also change. We cannot continue educating young Nigerians for an economy that no longer exists. Our schools must place greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. And no brilliant Nigerian child should be denied tertiary education simply because his or her parents are poor.

Finally, lead. Do not wait indefinitely for permission. Seek leadership positions within this party. Contest elections. Become councillors, legislators and governors. Become entrepreneurs who employ hundreds of Nigerians, journalists who demand accountability, technology founders who solve Nigerian problems, farmers who transform agriculture and teachers who shape the next generation. Whatever path you choose, prepare yourself and pursue excellence. I can help provide the platform and opportunity, but you must bring the competence. There is one other responsibility I place upon you: hold us accountable. Do not become a youth wing that applauds everything its leaders say. If this party deviates from its values, speak up. If people abuse positions entrusted to them, challenge them. If I, as your presidential candidate, fail to live by the commitments I make to you, remind me. A political party that demands loyalty without accountability will eventually reproduce the same failures it condemns in others.

The former Vice President reiterated his commitment to policies designed to reduce the cost of living if elected president, including a targeted production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria, rather than a return to an open-ended subsidy on imported fuel. He said the policy would be structured to support domestic refining, eliminate waste and ensure that government support translates directly into lower prices for consumers. “My promise to make life affordable again is not a political slogan. It is a solemn covenant with the Nigerian people. “We will support what Nigeria produces. We will support fuel refined in Nigeria, create Nigerian jobs and insist that every naira of government support delivers a measurable benefit to the consumer. “The purpose of government is not merely to announce reforms. The purpose of government is to make life better for the people.” Atiku said Nigeria’s young people deserve classrooms, skills, jobs and opportunities that allow them to fulfil their potential rather than an economy that leaves survival increasingly dependent on dangerous and uncertain livelihoods.

● Create clear and stable regulatory frameworks to attract long-term investment ● Partner with capable private firms to operate rail, ports, airports, and waterways ● Encourage indigenous participation in shipping, logistics, and transport services 4. Build a more practical and accessible transportation system. We will prioritize efficiency over prestige projects in the transportation sector ● Partner with states to develop existing transportation infrastructure ● Strengthen regional transportation connectivity within West Africa The ADC will: 1. Promote exports as a driver of economic growth and job creation. We will support Nigerian businesses to compete and win in regional and global markets, with a strong focus on value-added exports and intra-African trade. 2. Provide targeted incentives to support exporters. We will introduce support mechanisms to reduce the cost of exporting and encourage Nigerian businesses to expand into regional and international markets. ● Provide export subsidies and incentives for export ● Support standardization, logistics, warehousing, and port efficiency to reduce export bottlenecks and costs ● Offer financing and credit support for small and medium-scale exporters ● Prioritize support for value-added goods rather than raw exports

I have said that accountability must be upheld at all times. When a soldier is responsible for the loss of a protester's life, I see the detention and, I trust, prosecution of that soldier as a commendable step toward accountability and the rule of law. My longstanding advice to service chiefs and military commanders has been clear: there must be no authorisation of lethal force against peaceful protesters, and those who authorise it will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even after they retire.

On jobs, skills and enterprise, I see millions of young Nigerians with ideas, energy and ambition, but too many cannot access the capital to turn those ideas into businesses. I am committed to expanding transparent access to finance for young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, technology founders and people in the creative economy, so that your surname, political connection or ability to find a godfather does not determine whether your idea gets a chance to succeed. This includes a major financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs. Our objective is to move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity, and from palliatives to prosperity. On education, I want to change how we prepare young Nigerians for work. Our schools must place greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. No brilliant Nigerian child should be denied university, polytechnic or college education simply because his or her parents are poor. I see young Nigerians as the greatest national asset Nigeria has ever produced, innovators, farmers, engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs and artisans, and I believe no President can rebuild Nigeria without their active participation.

On hardship and jobs, my commitment is to restore purchasing power, reduce the cost of living and deliberately expand opportunities for young Nigerians. This includes a financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs. I will expand transparent access to finance for young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, technology founders and people working in the creative economy, so that a person's surname, political connection or ability to find a godfather does not determine whether a good idea gets a chance to succeed. I have said our objective is simple: move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity, and from palliatives to prosperity. On education, I have said schools must place greater emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, digital skills, critical thinking and entrepreneurship, and that no brilliant Nigerian child should be denied university, polytechnic or college education simply because their parents are poor.