Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled a 12-point policy agenda outlining his plans for Nigeria if elected president in the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The policy agenda, released as part of his campaign message, focuses on economic recovery, education, job creation, security, agriculture, healthcare, electricity, transportation and the restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system.
One of the key proposals is the restoration of a targeted petroleum subsidy to reduce transportation costs and ease the impact of rising living expenses on Nigerians.
Atiku also promised to review the operations of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), including the possibility of forgiving existing debts owed by beneficiaries. He said students should have access to affordable education and scholarships without being unnecessarily burdened by loans.
On local government administration, the former vice-president pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments. Under his plan, funds meant for councils would be paid directly to them for grassroots development.
Atiku also proposed the revival of Nigeria’s eastern maritime corridor by restoring the competitiveness of ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, while supporting the development of the Uyo Deep Sea Port.
According to the policy agenda, developing the ports would ease pressure on the Lagos port corridor, reduce logistics costs, create jobs and strengthen trade across the country.
The ADC presidential hopeful further promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders to legitimate commercial activities, saying the policy would support traders and boost regional commerce.
In the power sector, Atiku proposed reviewing the existing electricity tariff classification system, which his campaign described as discriminatory, with the aim of making electricity more affordable for consumers.
For young Nigerians and women, Atiku proposed a $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme to improve access to capital. He also pledged greater representation of youths and women in government appointments and economic opportunities.
On security, he promised to recruit additional personnel, improve their welfare and strengthen the use of intelligence and modern technology in combating insurgency, banditry and other crimes.
He also pledged to tackle corruption within the security sector and strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries to address cross-border threats.
In agriculture, Atiku said his administration would improve security in farming communities, reduce production costs and provide farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with better access to financing and other support.
He equally promised to overhaul the healthcare sector through institutional reforms, improved access to affordable basic healthcare and better welfare and remuneration for medical personnel.
On governance, Atiku proposed devolving more powers to states and local governments by restructuring the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists.
He said the federal government should become smaller and more efficient, focusing on responsibilities requiring national coordination while allowing subnational governments greater capacity to manage local affairs.
Atiku also pledged to implement the Oronsaye Report to eliminate duplication among federal agencies, reduce waste and improve efficiency in government.
The release of the agenda came days after his wife, Titi Abubakar, urged Nigerian youths to support her husband ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the ADC All Support Groups Town Hall Meeting in Abuja, Titi described Atiku as an experienced politician who would not need to “learn on the job” if elected president.
She also urged young Nigerians not to sell their votes, saying doing so would amount to compromising the future of their generation.
Titi further highlighted Atiku’s proposed 40 per cent representation for youths and women in government appointments, while arguing that he was seeking the presidency to improve the lives of Nigerians rather than enrich himself.
