BY ADO IBRAHIM, ABUJA
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the cards as instruments for citizens to express their choices and demand change through the ballot.
Atiku made the call in a recorded video message to Nigerians posted on his verified social media platforms, where he expressed concern over the rising cost of living, economic hardship and persistent insecurity affecting families across the country.
Addressing Nigerians across different age groups, the former vice president said he understood the difficulties many households were experiencing, particularly the struggle to afford food, healthcare, transportation, accommodation and other essential needs.
He noted that many parents were worried about how to feed their children, while pensioners faced difficult choices between purchasing medicines and meeting their food needs.
According to him, young Nigerians who work hard to earn a living are also struggling to cope with rising transportation costs, rent and other basic expenses, leaving many with little money to meet their daily needs.
Atiku further expressed concern over the security situation in different parts of the country, citing the fear of kidnapping, attacks and uncertainty surrounding the safety of family members.
He maintained that Nigerians should not have to contend with hunger and insecurity simultaneously, warning against allowing the prevailing difficulties to become the reality inherited by future generations.
“No family should have to face hunger and insecurity at the same time. We cannot allow this hardship and fear to become the future our children inherit,” he said.
The former vice president subsequently called on eligible Nigerians who had registered as voters to ensure they collected and safeguarded their PVCs ahead of the next general elections.
“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,” Atiku stated.
He described voter participation as an important means through which citizens could express their preferences and influence the country’s political direction.
Atiku also criticised the economic conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, attributing the high cost of living to the government’s policies and pledging to work towards making life more affordable.
“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he said.
His remarks placed economic affordability, household welfare and national security at the centre of his message, while urging citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Atiku called for unity among Nigerians across generations, emphasising the need for a country where families could live with dignity, safety and hope.
“Let us stand together, across generations, and vote for a Nigeria where every family can live with dignity, safety and hope,” he added.
The message comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to draw attention, with economic hardship and insecurity remaining prominent issues in Nigeria’s public discourse.
Atiku’s appeal underscores the importance of voter registration and PVC collection ahead of the elections, as eligible citizens prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
However, his assessment of the country’s economic and security conditions, as well as his promise to make life more affordable, reflects his political position and proposed direction for addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.
