Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said he would end insecurity in Nigeria within one year of assuming office if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Since the commencement of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, the former Vice President has made headlines especially after making some policy statements, including his recent pledge to restore fuel subsidy, a position that has generated reactions from the government and Nigerians.

Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Atiku, who discussed a wide range of issues, said he would adopt measures that would end insecurity within one year of his administration.

“I will not take more than one year to end it. We will recruit additional security personnel and provide them with the necessary equipment. We will also provide adequate funding to support youths to establish businesses because many of them are involved in criminal activities due to lack of employment. We will take these measures and, within a year, we will end insecurity, God willing.”

Atiku said he would also engage leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to revive the Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and strengthen regional military cooperation to tackle insecurity across member countries.

He said Nigeria and Niger Republic had long-standing ties and that the military junta in Niger should not affect the bilateral relations between the two countries.

“We will engage our colleagues and ECOWAS leaders because I believe that if we unite, we can revive ECOMOG and create greater synergy among the military forces of member countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia, to ensure peace.

“We will join forces, strengthen collaboration and work together to restore peace. Now, they have overtaken us in terms of democracy.

“I see no reason why Nigeria should cease its bilateral relations with Niger Republic simply because of the military takeover. What have we got to do with it? Nigeria and Niger are one. We are the same people. The fact that the military has taken over the government in Niger should not be a reason for Nigeria to cut ties with the country or support its exclusion from ECOWAS.

“I will work to bring Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali back into ECOWAS so that we can have a united front. This will also help to reduce unemployment across the countries.”

Asked if he is optimistic about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections, Atiku expressed skepticism about the possibility.

He, however, urged the electorate to come out en masse to exercise their franchise and ensure that their votes count.

“INEC will not do the right thing because it is this government that brought them. But what I want to tell Nigerians is that they should come out and vote. They should ensure that their votes count, protect their votes and make sure that the person they vote for is the person who is eventually declared the winner.”

Speaking further, the presidential candidate said the 2027 election would be his last attempt at running for the presidency, adding that he would remain available to advise young politicians if the election did not go his way.

Commenting on his pledge to restore the fuel subsidy, Atiku said it was unwise to remove it all at once, adding that his administration would carefully assess the situation and consult all relevant stakeholders before making a decision.

“In my 79 years (and approaching 80 no), I have never experienced a level of hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. I don’t need to consult with anyone before pledging that I will restore the subsidy. I have seen the situation of the people.”

He accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of removing the subsidy all at once and in a manner he said had jolted many Nigerians, saying the impact had also forced him out of his farming business. (Daily Trust)