Atiku Unveils 12-Point Agenda for 2027: Subsidy Return, LG Autonomy, $10bn Youth Fund

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has unveiled a 12-point policy agenda he says will guide his administration if he wins the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The policy commitments were published by AbdulRasheed Shehu, Special Assistant on Broadcast Media to Atiku, as part of the former vice-president’s campaign message ahead of the election.

The agenda focuses on the economy, education, local government autonomy, transportation, electricity, job creation, security, agriculture, healthcare and restructuring of the federal system.

Atiku proposed the restoration of a targeted petroleum subsidy as part of measures to reduce transportation costs and ease pressure of rising living expenses on Nigerians.

He also identified the development of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure as a key part of his economic agenda. He proposed reviving the Eastern maritime port corridor by restoring the operational capacity and competitiveness of ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, while supporting the development of the Uyo Deep Sea Port.

According to the policy document, strengthening the eastern and southern ports would reduce pressure on the Lagos port corridor, lower logistics costs, create employment and improve trade between the South-East, South-South and northern markets.

The former vice-president further promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders to legitimate commercial activities to help revive legal cross-border businesses and strengthen regional commerce.

Atiku promised to review the operations of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, including consideration of debt forgiveness for beneficiaries. The proposal is based on the position that Nigerian students should have access to affordable education and scholarships rather than being burdened with debts.

He also proposed a major overhaul of the healthcare sector through institutional reforms and increased access to quality and affordable basic healthcare. The agenda promises to address shortages of medical personnel, as well as their remuneration and welfare.

Young Nigerians and women feature prominently in the agenda. Atiku plans to establish a $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme to provide greater access to capital, while also increasing the participation of youths and women in government appointments and economic opportunities.

On local government administration, Atiku pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. Under his proposal, funds meant for local councils would be paid directly to them and deployed for development at the grassroots.

For the electricity sector, his campaign proposed a review of the existing tariff classification system to address what it described as discriminatory billing and make electricity more affordable to consumers.

On security, Atiku proposed recruiting more security personnel, improving their welfare and strengthening the use of modern intelligence and technology. His plan also includes tackling corruption within the security system, confronting insurgency and banditry with greater political will, and strengthening security cooperation with neighbouring countries.

In agriculture, Atiku said his administration would encourage Nigerians to return to farming by improving security in farming communities and lowering production costs. The plan also includes greater access to financing and other forms of support for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

On governance, Atiku proposed devolving more powers to states and local governments by restructuring the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists. He said the federal government should become smaller and more efficient, concentrating on responsibilities that require national coordination.

He also pledged to implement the Oronsaye Report to reduce government waste and eliminate duplication among federal institutions.

The release of the 12-point agenda comes days after Atiku’s wife, Titi Abubakar, urged Nigerian youths to support her husband in 2027.

Speaking at the ADC All Support Groups Town Hall Meeting in Abuja, Titi said: “Atiku is a sellable material. That is why I am so proud of my husband. Atiku is a philanthropist. Atiku has done it before. Atiku is not going to learn on the job. And Atiku is not a novice.”

She said Atiku was seeking the presidency to improve the lives of Nigerians rather than to enrich himself, and highlighted his pledge to reserve 40 per cent of appointments for youths and women.

Titi also urged young voters to protect their votes. “Don’t allow them to come and give you money and you sell your conscience. If you sell your vote, you are selling the vote of your generation yet unborn,” she said.

She acknowledged that the ADC might not have the financial resources of some political opponents but said: “ADC don’t have that money to give you. Don’t be a sellout. Because these people, they have all our money in their kitties.”

Titi also criticised the current state of governance, saying: “Nothing is working. Our economy is in shambles.”