Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has directly blamed President Bola Tinubu for the high cost of living in Nigeria, urging registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a peaceful means to demand change ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku's Appeal to Nigerians
In a message posted on his X account on Wednesday, October 14, Atiku, who is the 2027 presidential candidate of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), acknowledged the widespread economic hardship and insecurity facing Nigerian families. He described parents unable to afford food, pensioners forced to choose between medicine and meals, and young workers whose earnings are quickly consumed by transport, rent, and basic needs.
Atiku also highlighted the issue of kidnapping and attacks, noting the fear many families carry over whether their loved ones will return home safely. His appeal cuts across all age groups, making an early pitch for votes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Call to Collect PVCs
The former vice president urged every registered voter to collect their Permanent Voter Card, framing it as a tool for peaceful change rather than a partisan symbol. "If you are a registered voter, please go and collect your PVC. Hold on to it. It is your voice, your choice and your peaceful power to demand change," he wrote.
This appeal is notable given Nigeria's historically low PVC collection rates ahead of elections, a pattern that has repeatedly shaped voter turnout figures in previous general elections.
Direct Attack on Tinubu's Economic Record
Atiku's message contained a pointed reference to President Bola Tinubu by first name, blaming him directly for the current cost of living. "Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves," Atiku wrote, closing with a call for Nigerians to unite across generations and vote for a country where every family can live with dignity, safety, and hope.
The post comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with high inflation, fuel costs, and widespread public frustration over living standards since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023. Atiku has positioned himself as an alternative to the current administration, and this latest statement appears designed to consolidate that message early in the campaign cycle.
