Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), launched a digital citizen engagement platform called Ask AA on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The portal, which goes live at 8:30 p.m. on the same day, allows Nigerians to submit questions directly to him on policy plans, his public service record, and his vision for the country. The platform is free to access and covers topics including the economy, security, technology, job creation, and the cost of living.
Direct Dialogue with Nigerians
Announcing the launch on his social media accounts, Atiku said the idea grew from his conviction that leadership requires genuine dialogue with citizens. He wrote on X: "For too long, governance has felt distant, locked behind walls of bureaucracy. But our country's greatest resource isn't oil or land; it is our people. That is why I am launching Ask AA, a direct citizen-engagement platform built for transparency, accountability and dialogue. No filters, no intermediaries."
Atiku said no topic is off the table, whether citizens want to challenge his economic record, debate his security plans, or propose their own ideas for national development. He added that he would personally respond to questions, with his media team handling some of the load.
Beyond the platform, Atiku promised to personally call selected users who leave their contact details, so he can hear firsthand about the issues affecting their daily lives. He said: "A transparent, technology-driven government is not a promise for tomorrow. It begins with how we listen to you today."
Campaign's Problem-Solving Approach
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, described the platform as a practical tool to close the gap between the candidate and voters. Shaibu said: "The objective of this initiative is to bring Atiku Abubakar closer to the electorate through a practical, problem-solving platform."
Shaibu added that the platform reflects Atiku's broader belief in using technology to make governance more efficient, secure and effective. For communities without reliable internet access, the campaign said it plans to make Ask AA available through a radio interface.
Political Context and Previous Criticism
Atiku was ratified as the ADC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections on May 29, 2026. The launch of Ask AA comes amid ongoing political exchanges. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Vice-President Kashim Shettima openly attacked Atiku, using the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as his platform. Speaking before party loyalists and officials, Shettima recalled what he described as a debt Atiku owes to President Bola Tinubu, dating back to the 2007 presidential election cycle. He argued that President Tinubu's decisions had shielded Nigeria from worse economic conditions.
The Ask AA platform is now live, and Nigerians can submit questions via the portal, with selected users receiving personal calls from Atiku as part of the engagement initiative.
