Atiku Urges Nigerians to Collect PVCs, Pledges Economic Relief if Elected

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election, promising to make life more affordable and improve security if elected president on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku made the appeal on Wednesday, October 14, in a message shared on his official X account, where he highlighted the difficulties facing households amid rising living costs and persistent insecurity. He called on registered voters to use their voting rights to seek political change through the ballot box.

“My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying,” the former vice-president said, describing the pressures confronting families, pensioners and young workers.

He said many parents were worried about how to feed their children, while pensioners faced difficult choices between purchasing food and paying for medication. Young Nigerians, he added, were struggling to meet basic expenses as transport fares, rent and other essential costs consumed much of their earnings.

Atiku also drew attention to kidnapping and attacks in communities across the country, saying insecurity had left many families anxious about the safety of their loved ones. He argued that Nigerians should not have to contend with hunger and fear at the same time.

“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 president urged registered voters who had yet to collect their PVCs to obtain and safeguard the cards, describing them as an essential means of making their voices heard in the democratic process.

“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 said.

Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, directly linking the current economic difficulties to the government’s policies. He promised a different approach if elected in 2027.

“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” he said.

Although Atiku pledged to improve affordability and security, his latest message did not set out a detailed programme, implementation timetable or cost estimates for achieving those objectives. His comments form part of his political appeal ahead of the next presidential election, with economic hardship and insecurity emerging as central issues in the contest.

Atiku has previously advocated restoring petrol subsidy under a targeted arrangement, arguing that government intervention should ease the burden on households. In August, he reiterated his support for bringing back the subsidy, a position that contrasts with Tinubu’s decision to remove it in May 2023. The latest message, however, focused on the broader promise of affordable living and improved security rather than spelling out a new economic policy package.

The PVC appeal comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission continues preparations for the 2027 elections and manages voter registration records and card collection. A voter card enables an eligible registered voter to participate in the election, making collection an important step for citizens who intend to cast their ballots.

Atiku urged Nigerians across generations to unite behind the prospect of a country where families could live with dignity and security. His message places the everyday pressures of food, healthcare, housing, transport and personal safety at the centre of his pitch to voters, while leaving the details of how his proposed changes would be delivered to a future campaign programme.