Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has promised to end insecurity in Nigeria within one year if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
The former Vice President made the promise during a recent interview with BBC Hausa, where he spoke on several issues, including his plan to restore fuel subsidy.
Atiku said his administration would recruit more security personnel, provide the needed equipment and support youths with funding to start businesses, arguing that unemployment pushes many into crime.
“I will not take more than one year to end it. We will recruit additional security personnel and provide them with the necessary equipment. We will also provide adequate funding to support youths to establish businesses because many of them are involved in criminal activities due to lack of employment. We will take these measures and, within a year, we will end insecurity, God willing.”
He also promised to work with ECOWAS leaders to revive ECOMOG and improve military cooperation among member states.
Atiku said Nigeria should maintain its relationship with Niger Republic despite the military takeover.
“I see no reason why Nigeria should cease its bilateral relations with Niger Republic simply because of the military takeover. What have we got to do with it? Nigeria and Niger are one. We are the same people.”
He further pledged to bring Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali back into ECOWAS.
On INEC, Atiku expressed doubts about a free and fair election but urged Nigerians to vote and protect their votes.
“INEC will not do the right thing because it is this government that brought them. But what I want to tell Nigerians is that they should come out and vote. They should ensure that their votes count, protect their votes and make sure that the person they vote for is the person who is eventually declared the winner.”
He said 2027 would be his final presidential bid.
On fuel subsidy, Atiku said removing it at once was unwise and accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of worsening hardship, saying it had also affected his farming business.
