Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has unveiled a 12-point policy agenda outlining his proposed approach to rescuing, reviving and restoring Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The policy commitments, presented under the banner “Rescue, Revive, Restore,” focus on reducing the cost of living, reforming governance, strengthening national security, expanding economic opportunities and devolving greater powers to Nigeria’s subnational governments.
Atiku’s proposed agenda includes the restoration of targeted petroleum subsidies as a measure to reduce transportation costs and ease pressure on households. He also proposed a review of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), including consideration of debt forgiveness, arguing that Nigerian students should have access to affordable education without being burdened by crippling debt.
On governance and federalism, the former Vice President pledged to implement the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy to ensure that funds due to local councils reach them directly for grassroots development. He also proposed restructuring the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists to give states and local governments greater responsibilities, while creating a leaner Federal Government focused on issues requiring national coordination.
The policy agenda further targets infrastructure and economic development, with plans to revive the Eastern maritime port corridor by restoring the operational capacity and competitiveness of the ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, alongside advancing the proposed Uyo Deep Sea Port. Atiku also proposed reopening Nigeria’s land borders to encourage legitimate cross-border trade and regional commerce.
In the power sector, the ADC candidate proposed a review of the electricity market and tariff classification structure, with the stated objective of ending what he described as discriminatory billing and making electricity more affordable to consumers.
The former Vice President also placed emphasis on youth and women empowerment, proposing a $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme and greater inclusion of young people and women in government appointments and economic opportunities.
On security, Atiku promised to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through additional recruitment, improved personnel welfare, stronger anti-corruption measures, modern intelligence and field technology, as well as increased cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Agriculture also features prominently in the agenda, with a proposal to make farming more attractive by improving security, reducing production costs, expanding access to finance and providing stronger support for farmers and entrepreneurs.
In healthcare, the plan proposes institutional reforms aimed at expanding access to quality and affordable basic healthcare, addressing shortages and improving the remuneration and welfare of healthcare professionals.
Atiku also pledged to implement the Oronsaye Report, with the stated objective of eliminating duplication and institutional overlap, reducing waste and opportunities for corruption, rationalising government agencies and improving efficiency and service delivery.
The 12-point agenda represents Atiku’s proposed policy direction for the 2027 election, with the campaign message centred on “A Nigeria that works,” “Restoring hope” and “Building a future.”
The ADC presidential candidate is seeking to present the programme as a comprehensive response to Nigeria’s economic, security, governance and social challenges, under the overarching slogan: “Rescue! Revive!! Restore!!!”
9ja News 24/7
Reporting Politics, Governance and National Development.
