Former Vice President and presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reiterated the importance of citizens’ participation in protecting votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that credible polls depend largely on voters safeguarding their ballots at the polling unit level.
Atiku made the remarks following a meeting with members of the Enugu Polling Booths Vanguard for Atiku, a group focused on ensuring the sanctity of ballots during elections. The delegation, led by Chief Obodoeze Ocho, paid him a courtesy visit to discuss strategies for strengthening electoral transparency and voter confidence ahead of the next election cycle.
Sharing details of the meeting on his X handle, the former presidential candidate disclosed that the group expressed strong commitment to ensuring that every vote counts in the 2027 elections.
“This afternoon, I received the Enugu Polling Booths Vanguard for Atiku, a group chiefly concerned with the sanctity of the ballots, led by Chief Obodoeze Ocho. They believe that every vote must count in 2027,” Atiku wrote.
He said he aligned with the group’s position, noting that protecting votes at polling units remains one of the most critical elements for credible elections in Nigeria.
“I fully agree with them that protecting votes at the Polling Units level is vital for the coming elections,” he added.
Atiku further emphasized that citizens must take active responsibility for defending their votes, insisting that public trust in elections would only improve when voters remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
“I told them that, for us to have credible elections that earn voters’ trust, citizens must take the responsibility of safeguarding votes seriously. Votes will count if they are protected by those who cast them,” he stated.
The former Vice President has consistently advocated electoral reforms and voter participation, particularly following controversies surrounding past elections. Political observers say his latest remarks signal early mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
The visit by the Enugu-based group comes amid growing political consultations across the country, as stakeholders begin to position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 general election.