PDP Awareness & Consultative Forum

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

I welcome the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees. This reversal is a victory for millions of Nigerian parents, students, civil society organisations, and all citizens who refused to remain silent in the face of an unjust policy. The government announced the suspension after widespread criticism of the proposed increase.

This decision vindicates the concerns I expressed when I warned that pricing public examinations beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians would deepen educational inequality, worsen the out-of-school children crisis, and deny countless brilliant but indigent students the opportunity to pursue higher education.

However, the question remains: why must this government always wait for public outrage before correcting policies that should never have been conceived in the first place?

Governing is not a laboratory for reckless experimentation. Sound governments consult before they decide, not after Nigerians have been subjected to needless anxiety and uncertainty.

It is becoming a disturbing pattern. This administration announces harsh policies with little evidence of meaningful consultation, only to retreat when confronted by overwhelming public opposition. That is not responsive governance; it reflects poor policy formulation.

The purpose of leadership is to anticipate the consequences of public policy before it is implemented. A government that repeatedly relies on public resistance to discover its mistakes is admitting, whether intentionally or not, that it is disconnected from the daily realities of its citizens.

The proposed examination fee hike would have erected yet another financial barrier for millions of Nigerian children whose families are already burdened by inflation, rising transportation costs, soaring electricity tariffs, and declining purchasing power.

I commend parents, teachers, labour organisations, student groups, education stakeholders, and every patriotic Nigerian whose collective voice compelled this reconsideration. Democracy works best when citizens hold their government accountable.

However, suspending this policy should not be the end of the conversation. The Federal Government must now engage stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO that strengthens these examination bodies without transferring the burden to struggling families.

More importantly, this administration must abandon its growing habit of announcing anti-people policies first and listening later. Consultation is not a sign of weakness; it is the foundation of responsible governance.

A government that listens only after Nigerians cry out is a government that has stopped listening to the people it was elected to serve.

Thankfully, as the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians have a clear choice. They can choose an administration whose policies are too often driven by trial and error, or they can choose experienced leadership with a proven record in national governance. The lesson from this latest policy reversal is simple: a nation as important as Nigeria cannot be governed like a laboratory for endless experimentation. Nigerians deserve leadership that listens before it acts, consults before it decides, and gets it right the first time. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

It was both an honour and a pleasure to host Astronaut Owolabi Salis, Nigeria's first astronaut. We engaged in fascinating discussions about how to advance Nigeria beyond the skies. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

This afternoon, I had the honour of hosting His Excellency Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria @EUinNigeria, at my residence in Abuja.

We engaged in productive discussions on issues of mutual interest between Nigeria and the EU, with particular emphasis on the upcoming general elections. I expressed my appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and for the European Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections, as well as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy. -AA

[Maxwell Ishaku ⚖️🔥 @Mrmaximilan10]

Congratulations to us.
ADC Leadership: David Mark Vs Leke Abejide and Bala Nafiu Gombe

Justice Liman upholds our preliminary objections. Holding that, “the case borders on the internal affairs of ADC; therefore, the Court lacks jurisdiction.

[Premier @SodiqTade]

There are too many court case against NDC and I'm begining to see the reason why Kwankwaso bought PRP tickets for his followers in Kano. Yesterday's case was about PMP. There is another case filed by ADA against NDC too. I don't see how they will survive these obvious traps.

ADC is facing many issues too but their own case is mainly intra-party affairs. They have won some already and they will likely win the rest. You will notice the Nafiu Bala noise has phased out. In my opinion, ADC will make it to the ballot in 2027 but I doubt NDC will make it to the ballot.

NDC issue has to do with the party registration. Most of the parties INEC failed to register are now in court to challenge the special registration of NDC. It is either they register all of them or they don't register any. The case is straightforward. Brilliant Obi miscalculated. He literally walked into an open trap with the help of Kwankwaso.

It is too late for the opposition to unite but fate may force a unity. In a case where INEC fails to recognize NDC as a political party, then most of Obi's followers (not online followers) will adopt ADC as their party and Atiku/Amaechi may benefit from this mostly in the South.

We continue to observe.

[Abdul Rasheeth @Rasheethe]

#AAConnect

[Aminu W. Tambuwal @AWTambuwal]

Your Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR,

It gives me great pleasure to join your family, friends, associates, and countless admirers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating you on the occasion of your 84th birthday.

This milestone offers yet another opportunity for our nation to reflect on and appreciate your remarkable contributions to Nigeria's peace, unity, stability, and democratic development.

Your life has been defined by an unwavering commitment to service, patriotism, humility, and sacrifice. Throughout your distinguished military and public service career, you demonstrated uncommon leadership, placing the interests of the nation above personal considerations and leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

History will always remember your pivotal role in guiding Nigeria through a critical period and successfully overseeing the transition to democratic governance in 1999. At a time when our nation needed courage, wisdom, and selfless leadership, you rose to the occasion and helped lay the foundation for the democratic journey that Nigerians continue to build upon today.

Your commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, national reconciliation, and democratic consolidation has remained steadfast long after leaving office. Through your wise counsel, interventions, and statesmanlike conduct, you have continued to serve as a stabilising force and a respected voice of moderation in our national discourse.

I am particularly delighted that this year's celebration is accompanied by the presentation of books documenting your life, leadership, and contributions to our country. Such works are fitting tributes to a man whose service to Nigeria has left an indelible mark on our history.

As you celebrate your 84th birthday, I salute your enduring dedication to the ideals of peace, justice, national unity, and good governance. Nigeria is undoubtedly richer for your service and blessed by your continued presence and guidance.

On behalf of my family and the good people of Sokoto South Senatorial District, I congratulate you on this special occasion and pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants you continued good health, strength, wisdom, peace of mind, and many more years of impactful service to our nation and humanity.

Happy 84th Birthday, Your Excellency. – AWT

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Kola Oweyo, a legendary thespian and scholar of African drama.

His iconic role as King Lapite in the timeless "Saworoide" immortalised his immense talent and teachings.

A great void has been left in Theatre Arts.

He will be sorely missed by lovers of African stories worldwide.

I join his family and fans in mourning this exceptional dramatist and teacher of social conscience. May his soul rest in peace. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

Your Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR.

It is with profound joy that I felicitate with you on the occasion of your 84th birthday anniversary.

I particularly congratulate you on marking this significant milestone with the public presentation of three books written in your honour, including your autobiography and the proceedings of a festschrift celebrating your life and contributions to our nation. These publications are fitting tributes to a lifetime of service, patriotism, sacrifice, and distinguished leadership.

Your attainment of 84 years in remarkable health and strength is a special blessing and a testament to God's abiding grace. At this venerable age, you remain one of Nigeria's most respected elder statesmen, whose life and service continue to inspire generations across our country and beyond.

As an associate in the service of Nigeria, I join your family, friends, associates, admirers, and well-wishers in celebrating not only your longevity but also the enduring legacy of your contributions to nation-building.

Your visionary leadership in returning Nigeria to democratic governance and laying the foundation of the Fourth Republic remains one of the defining moments in our national history. It is particularly significant that your birthday comes on the heels of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, marking 27 unbroken years of democratic rule—a legacy to which your leadership made an invaluable contribution.

At a critical period in our nation's history, you placed national interest above personal ambition and guided the country through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance. That singular act of statesmanship secured your place among the architects of modern Nigeria.

Beyond that historic achievement, your unwavering commitment to peace, national unity, reconciliation, and democratic values has further distinguished you as a statesman of rare wisdom, courage, and moderation. Your life's work continues to remind us that true leadership is measured not by power exercised, but by sacrifice rendered in service to one's country.

As you attain this new age, I have no doubt that you will continue to deploy your vast experience, moral authority, and voice in advancing peace, national cohesion, good governance, and democratic ideals in Nigeria and across Africa.

I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, renewed strength, peace of mind, divine protection, and many more years of impactful service to humanity.

On behalf of my family and associates, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes for many happy returns of the day in peace, joy, fulfilment, and prosperity.

Happy 84th Birthday, Your Excellency. -AA

[Paul Ibe @omonlakiki]

PRESS RELEASE

Atiku calls for declaration of emergency on security
*Says attacks on schools may cripple education, stall development

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, expressing concern that the terrorists and bandits attacks are now targeted at not only wasting precious human lives, but crippling the country's education.

Atiku raised the concern on Wednesday following the latest attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in which three persons, including the Vice Principal of the school, and two others were killed while several students were abducted.

Recall that a total of not less than 90 school children were on May 15 abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and the principal in the Oriire school beheaded.

The ADC presidential candidate in the 2027 election is worried that there is a pattern in these attacks aimed at crippling our education sector and consequently stalling our development strides.

The former Vice President therefore, calls for the declaration of emergency on security in Nigeria. He, however, noted that the envisaged state of emergency on security does not include the suspension of elected officials of states.

According to the Waziri Adamawa, the latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action.

"It is high time the Federal Government declared a statement of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the county," Atiku said.

"I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference."
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The ADC Presidential candidate explained that "Nigeria is facing worsening insecurity that demands extraordinary measures, including state of emergency.

"Learning can only take place in a safe environment and terrorist attacks on schools are increasingly making our schools dangerous places. Worse still, the anxiety and trauma that follow terrorist attacks on schools will inevitably make the school environment unsafe for both students and teachers.

"Under no circumstances, should we allow terrorists or bandits to destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school."

The former Vice President added that "a terrorist attack on one one school is a threat to schools elsewhere across the country because of its domino-effect."

As part of the drastic measures to address these security challenges, Atiku advocated the establishment of national guards made up of retired veterans to complement the efforts of our military and police that are clearly overstretched and under-manned."

He also called for improved human intelligence on terrorist movements and greater community vigilance, explaining that "our communities have a great role to play in information sharing and eternal vigilance."

Signed:
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
10 June, 2026.
Photo illustration is from the archives.

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

My family and I extend our warmest birthday wishes to Sen. Ehigie Uzamere as he marks another year today.

We celebrate your life, your contributions, and your enduring commitment to service. May the years ahead be filled with good health, renewed strength, peace, and abundant blessings. Happy Birthday, and many happy returns. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

I have just read the communique released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the leadership of His Grace Archbishop Daniel Okoh from the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit and I align with the concern and sympathies of the Church in Nigeria over the security of the lives of Nigerians.

The demand for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime, are all fully in line with my position on the failure of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

It is encouraging for Nigerians to see Christians from various denominations and blocs unite in this spiritual wake-up call upon the political leadership to do better. From the Catholic Secretariat to the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches to the TEKAN/ECWA and other Christian blocs in Nigeria, the declaration of a three-day period of national mourning should serve as moments of reflection for all political leaders, especially those in power with the responsibility to do better by Nigerians.

As insecurity ravages without concern for religious or ethnic differences which have been made more glaring by the 360 degrees failure of the incumbent government, I commend this noble effort to hold the ruling party accountable and encourage solidarity from all Nigerians in this regard. I enjoin other faith organisations especially of the Muslim block to lend their voices to this wake-up call.

On behalf of the political opposition whom Tinubu has ignored as well as the Nigerian people, I urge Tinubu to listen to this urgent call from CAN and diligently ponder his courses of action beyond rhetorics, at least for his remaining months in office. -AA

https://t.co/kl07WD6OkT

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State.

Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks.

I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees.

I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency.

Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 school children and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits.

More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

It was my pleasure hosting the African Democratic Congress North East leaders at my residence in Abuja following the appointment of Daniel Bwala (Talban Adamawa) from Adamawa State as the party’s North East Vice Chairman.

I am even more grateful to hear that the visit was aimed at honouring my contributions to the growth of the party. Thank you very much indeed for the gesture - AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

Dear Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, @NOIweala, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the recent loss of your beloved younger brother, Prince Ikechukwu Okonjo, who, until his passing, was a respected member of the Umu Obi Obahai royal family of the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Delta State. I understand how deeply painful it is to bury a family member.

My family and I hold you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. May you and your loved ones find strength during this difficult time. We pray that his soul rest in peace. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

I am deeply saddened by the tragic train accident along the Warri–Itakpe corridor near Agbor, Delta State, which claimed the lives of some Nigerians and left many others injured.

My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment and wish them strength in this difficult time. I extend my sympathies to the people and Government of Delta State over this painful incident. I commend the swift response of the Delta State Government, emergency personnel, and all those involved in the rescue efforts.

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety standards and emergency preparedness across our transportation system. May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort the bereaved, and restore good health to the injured. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

Today, I celebrate a distinguished statesman and committed democrat, Chief Ralph Nwosu, on the occasion of his birthday.

Chief Nwosu’s years of service to our nation’s democratic journey have been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of institutions over individuals. His role in facilitating a seamless transition that ushered in the David Mark-led leadership of the coalition ADC reflected rare statesmanship, maturity, and a deep commitment to the collective aspirations of the party and the nation. It takes exceptional character to place the progress of an institution above personal considerations.

As you mark another year, I pray that Almighty God grants you good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria. May history remember your contributions kindly, and may the seeds you have sown in the pursuit of a stronger democracy continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Happy Birthday, Chief Ralph Nwosu. Wishing you joy, peace, and abundant blessings. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

Earlier today, I visited my brother and fellow aspirant in the @ADCNig presidential primaries, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, @Mohayatudeen, at his residence in Lagos. Our discussions on the state of our nation and party were frank and productive. We resolved to work together in the challenging task of reclaiming and rebuilding our beloved country for the greater good of our people. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

It's been three years since you bid us farewell. But your memories continue to be a blessing. You are unforgettable, my brother and friend, Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi. Continue to rest, Ezomo. -AA

[Atiku Abubakar @atiku]

Grateful for the gift of togetherness, and love. Wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration. Eid Mubarak! -AA