Hajiya Aminat Titi Atiku Abubakar, wife of presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerian women not to allow vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC National Women's League and the unveiling of the ADC Women 1-10 Votes initiative in Abuja, Mrs. Atiku emphasized the importance of women's participation in the democratic process. She noted that the current cost of living crisis has forced many children out of school, and women, as mothers, cannot remain silent.
Mrs. Atiku appealed to women not to allow anyone to buy their votes, stressing that it is essential to use their votes wisely, peacefully, and according to their conscience. She warned against politicians who take advantage of hunger and hardship to offer money or food items during elections. According to her, these temporary benefits should not distract from the bigger picture, quoting a Yoruba proverb: "Obìnrín kì í jẹ akara kí ó fi ọwọ́ kan un."
The wife of the ADC presidential candidate noted that there have been situations where people collected money but still voted according to their conscience, describing it as the power of a free and independent vote. She called on women to stand up for their rights, their children, and the generation yet unborn. Mrs. Atiku emphasized that if women fail to act today, generations coming after them may hold them responsible for the decisions they make now.
Mrs. Atiku expressed her confidence in the strength, courage, and determination of Nigerian women, stating that they can make a tremendous difference when they decide to act. She urged women to encourage other women, children, friends, and eligible voters to go to polling units and exercise their civic rights peacefully and responsibly. According to her, nobody should deceive them, and it is time for women to make their voices heard and participate fully in the democratic process.
The ADC National Women's League and the ADC Women 1-10 Votes initiative aim to sensitize people, especially in rural communities, on the power of their votes. Mrs. Atiku urged women to question what happens after the election, emphasizing that the money or food offered during elections may only last for a short time. She encouraged women to think about the future and the kind of country they want to leave behind for their children.
Mrs. Atiku's message to Nigerian women is clear: "Women, arise and shine. This is an opportunity for us to make our voices heard and participate fully in the democratic process." She emphasized that using their votes wisely, peacefully, and according to their conscience is their civic right, responsibility, and opportunity. According to her, bread today cannot solve the problems of tomorrow, and women should think about the future.
The event, which took place in Abuja, was an opportunity for Mrs. Atiku to reiterate the importance of women's participation in the democratic process. She encouraged women to support one another and work together to make a positive impact. With the 2027 general elections approaching, Mrs. Atiku's message to Nigerian women serves as a reminder of the critical role they can play in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- Titi Atiku urges Nigerian women not to sell their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The cost of living crisis has forced many children out of school, and women, as mothers, cannot remain silent.
- Mrs. Atiku encourages women to use their votes wisely, peacefully, and according to their conscience.
