From our correspondent.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar completely shuts down the programmes of President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Campaigns, with the release of a damning, groundbreaking 12-point policy agenda, that covers the North, South, East and West, and heavily protects, uplifts, enriches and empowers ordinary Nigerians across the entire country.
The 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, unveiled the 12-Point Policy Agenda, aimed at tackling Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, insecurity and governance challenges, ahead of the 2027 elections on Sunday.
The outstanding proposal is already generating nationwide discussions.
The Policy statement outlines reforms with direct impact on transport fares, food prices, school fees, electricity tariffs, jobs and security.
The 12 point agenda and what they mean for Nigerians:
Cheaper Transport and Food
Atiku proposes to restore targeted petroleum subsidy, to reduce transportation costs, and the associated cost of living. This means lower bus and keke fares, and cheaper food in the market, according to him.
End Student Debt Trap
Atiku promised to review NELFUND and consider debt forgiveness, on the principle that Nigerian Students deserve scholarships and affordable access to education, not crippling debt. He promised that Nigerian graduates will not start life owing millions of naira to the Federal Government, under the Atiku 2027 Presidency.
Money For Local Government Areas
Atiku promised to implement the Supreme Court judgement on Local Government Autonomy; ensuring that all funds due to Local Councils reach them directly, and are used for grassroots development. He told Nigerians to expect better Primary Healthcare, roads and water, in your Community.
Cheaper Goods Through Eastern Ports
Atiku says he plans to revive and develop the Eastern Maritime Ports corridor, by restoring the operational capacity and competitiveness of the Ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri; while advancing the development of the Uyo Deep Sea Port. This will reduce dependence on Lagos, cut shipping costs, create jobs and make goods cheaper across the South-East, South-South and the North.
Revive Border Business
Atiku also promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders, to revive legal cross-border businesses, support legitimate traders and facilitate regional commerce. And ensure that market women in those regions, as well as Importers, will have customers again.
Fair Electricity Bills
Atiku promised to review the electricity sector and reform the current tariff classification structure, to end discriminatory billing and make electricity more affordable for all Nigerians. He promised that artisans and households will pay for exactly what they use.
$10 Billion For Youths and Women
A proposed $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme will be launched under the Atiku 2027 Presidency, alongside greater inclusion of young people and women in government appointments and economic opportunities. He promised that every great business idea will get funding required to kickoff and expand.
Safer Communities
Atiku also promised to strengthen national security, by recruiting additional Security Personnel as globally required, improving their welfare, combating corruption within the security architecture, deploying modern Intelligence and field technology, mustering the political will to fight insurgency, banditry and high crimes, as well as deepening cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Back To Farm
Atiku promised to return Nigerians to their farms, by improving security and reducing production costs, while revitalising agriculture and expanding access to finance and other interventions, for farmers and entrepreneurs, pointing out that more food means lower prices.
Affordable Healthcare
Atiku promised to overhaul the healthcare sector through institutional reforms, expanding access to quality and affordable basic healthcare, while addressing shortages, remuneration and welfare of healthcare professionals.
He promised more power to Smstates, saying he will devolve powers to subnational governments, by restructuring the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists, giving states and Local Governments greater responsibility, while creating a lean Federal Government.
Cut Government Waste
Atiku promised to implement the Oronsaye Report, to eliminate waste, duplication and institutional overlap, reduce opportunities for corruption, rationalise government agencies and improve efficiency, performance and service delivery across the public service.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council stated that the agenda provides a practical roadmap to “Rescue, Revive and Restore” Nigeria.
The public should however read in-between the lines as mo implementation strategy was released. He would need to tell 🇳🇪 how he would implement these promises ans at whay cost? Hiw will he get the money for them oe will he resort to another borrowing spree or are the promises just vote catching pledges and the usual flippant excuses of desperate politicians?
