Isaac Samuel
The camp of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has disowned a 12-point policy document purportedly outlining his agenda for the 2027 presidential election.
The document, which has been circulating, claims that Atiku would seek to “Rescue, Revive and Restore” Nigeria if elected president.
Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, disowned the document in a chat with this medium.
“Not our document,” he said.
Among the purpoted proposals contained in the document are the restoration of targeted petroleum subsidies to reduce transportation costs and the rising cost of living, as well as a review of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), including possible debt forgiveness.
It also proposes implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy to ensure that funds due to councils are paid directly to them for grassroots development.
On infrastructure, the document proposes the revival of the eastern maritime port corridor through the restoration of the operational capacity and competitiveness of the ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, while advancing the development of the Uyo Deep Sea Port.
It further calls for the reopening of Nigeria’s land borders to revive legitimate cross-border businesses, support traders and facilitate regional commerce.
The purported agenda also proposes a review of the electricity sector and tariff classification structure to address what it described as discriminatory billing and make electricity more affordable.
For young people and women, the document proposes a $10 billion startup and entrepreneurship financing programme, alongside greater inclusion in government appointments and economic opportunities.
It also outlines plans to strengthen national security through the recruitment of additional personnel, improved welfare, measures to tackle corruption within the security architecture, deployment of modern intelligence and field technology, and deeper cooperation with neighbouring countries.
In agriculture, the document proposes measures to return Nigerians to their farms by improving security, reducing production costs and expanding access to finance and other support for farmers and entrepreneurs.
It further proposes an overhaul of the healthcare sector through institutional reforms, improved access to quality and affordable basic healthcare, and measures to address shortages and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
The purported policy agenda also advocates devolution of powers to subnational governments through restructuring of the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists, while proposing a leaner Federal Government focused on issues requiring national coordination.
It also calls for implementation of the Oronsaye Report to eliminate waste, and institutional overlap, reduce opportunities for corruption and improve government efficiency.
