“They Must Be Punished!” Atiku Vows Ruthless Crackdown on Corrupt Officials if Elected President in 2027 [VIDEO]

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again made his voice thunder across Nigeria’s political landscape, as he issued a fiery warning to corrupt elements in government. While speaking during a town hall campaign event under the opposition coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku declared a full-scale war on corruption, saying those found guilty under his government would not be spared.

“I swear to God, if elected, anyone who steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished,” he said, his voice rising with fervor. He went further to link Nigeria’s stagnation to the greed of a few individuals who have continuously looted the country’s wealth.

"Other countries are advancing, but Nigeria remains retrogressive because of a few corrupt people,” he lamented, drawing loud applause from the crowd, many of whom were visibly moved by his commitment to fight graft head-on.

Atiku’s latest remarks come at a pivotal time for the ADC, which has been attempting to rebrand itself as the primary vehicle for real change in Nigerian politics. The inclusion of high-profile political figures like Peter Obi has already sparked national interest and given the party an edge in crafting a united opposition front.

Observers are noting the deliberate change in tone from Atiku, who appears more aggressive, less diplomatic, and significantly more resolved to shake off the tag of being part of Nigeria’s entrenched political elite. Analysts believe this new posture is part of a strategy to distance himself from past criticisms while aligning more closely with the frustrations of everyday Nigerians.

At the town hall meeting, Atiku went on to underscore the urgency of Nigeria’s challenges. “We can’t afford another four years of recycled failure. We must stop pretending that things will fix themselves. If you vote for me, you vote for a clean government, a responsible government, a government that will not protect thieves,” he declared.

His tough stance on corruption is being seen by political strategists as a bold attempt to counter the perception that both old and new political actors are indistinguishable. It is a message that resonates with citizens who have seen countless anti-corruption promises turn into nothing more than hollow campaign rhetoric.

This coalition is already raising eyebrows in ruling party circles, with many insiders acknowledging the potential threat posed by an Atiku-Obi partnership, especially if their message gains ground in key battleground states.

Supporters across the venue could be heard chanting slogans in favor of “a new Nigeria,” while waving banners and placards that called for an end to “government for the corrupt, by the corrupt.” The atmosphere felt less like a traditional campaign and more like a grassroots movement beginning to take shape.

Atiku’s message, though not new, seems to have found renewed credibility given the scale of public discontent with the current state of governance. The former Vice President’s fiery language and religious oath underscored the seriousness of his pledge. Whether it will translate into actual change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Atiku Abubakar is not stepping back from the political spotlight.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the focus will likely remain on who can best embody the hopes of a nation long wearied by broken promises. With Atiku and Peter Obi now navigating the same political ship, the ADC appears poised to shake Nigeria’s political foundations. Whether the public sees their alliance as a true force for change or just another attempt to seize power remains the key question.

But if Atiku’s words are to be taken at face value, then corrupt officials should brace for what he promises will be an unforgiving reckoning.

“I swear to God, if elected, anyone who steals or engages in any corruption-related activities, we will declare war against them and they must be punished. Other countries are advancing, but Nigeria remains retrogressive because of a few corrupt people.”🧐🧐👀

—Atiku pic.twitter.com/jEevMR3rbz

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) July 5, 2025