Atiku Fires Shots at 'Bola' Over Cost of Living, Rallies Voters for 2027

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a compelling call to all registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), unequivocally describing them as essential instruments for facilitating peaceful political change in Nigeria. In a video released on his verified Facebook handle, titled “My fellow Nigerians, young and old, I know the pain you are carrying,” Atiku also seized the opportunity to strongly criticize the prevailing economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He pledged that, if elected president, his priority would be to make life affordable once again for Nigerians and to diligently work towards restoring the nation's security.

In his heartfelt message, Atiku Abubakar candidly acknowledged the severe economic hardships confronting Nigerian households across the country. He highlighted the daily struggles faced by parents who go to bed worried about how they will feed their children, the agonizing choices pensioners are forced to make between purchasing essential medicines and buying food, and the plight of young people whose hard-earned income is rapidly consumed by basic needs like transport, rent, and other necessities. Furthermore, he addressed the pervasive sense of insecurity, noting that families nationwide live with the constant fear of kidnapping, attacks, and the uncertainty of whether their loved ones will return home safely. Atiku emphasized the unacceptability of this situation, stating, “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.”

Driving home the power of the electorate, Atiku urged registered voters, saying, “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 directly implicated the current administration, asserting, “Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves.” His message resonates deeply as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with pressing issues such as economic hardship, insecurity, and the escalating cost of living remaining at the forefront of national discourse.

In a related development crucial for the upcoming electoral cycle, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that Permanent Voter Cards are now ready for collection. This collection exercise is applicable to a broad spectrum of voters, specifically those who registered in 2025, as well as individuals from previous registration exercises who undertook fresh registrations, requested transfers, applied for replacements of lost or damaged PVCs, or carried out information updates or reviews during 2025. Additionally, uncollected PVCs from previous voter registration exercises will also be made available, ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to obtain their cards.

INEC has outlined a specific schedule for the collection of these vital cards. The initial phase of collection at the Registration Areas (RAs) is set to run from Friday, October 9, to Thursday, October 15, 2026. Following this period, from Friday, October 16, 2026, the collection process will transition to the respective Local Government Areas (LGAs), providing a new set of collection points for convenience. The hours of collection across all locations have been standardized to 9am to 3pm. Concurrently, within the same period from Friday, October 9, to Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission will also display the National Register of Voters for public scrutiny at all Registration Areas nationwide, allowing citizens to verify their registration details and raise any potential objections.