Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to unite and work towards rebuilding the country through the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the current generation owes a duty to secure a better future for younger citizens.
Speaking at the National Convention of the ADC in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku said the challenges facing Nigeria were well known, and urged citizens, particularly members of the party, to take decisive action to change the nation’s trajectory.
“This country has been good to us. But we don’t believe it is being good to the current generation, that is why we are here today.
“Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform. What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country” he stated.
Reflecting on past political developments and how he deceived into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku recounted that key political actors had urged him to join the coalition at the time which regrettably rifted from its purpose.
“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house.
“They said, If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible. They literally compelled me to join the APC, only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone”.
Atiku stressed the need for what he described as “genuine change,” promising that the ADC would offer a credible alternative focused on accountability and good governance.
“You cannot get away with corruption in the government of ADC. You cannot compromise with criminals and terrorists,” he said.
He emphasized that the push for change was driven by concern for younger Nigerians.
The former vice president also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging that the electoral body was being used to undermine democracy.
“INEC is being used to undermine democracy in this country,” he said, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to erode democratic values.
He concluded by calling for collective action, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at restoring what he described as “true democracy and development” across the country.
