Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar pledged a $100 billion financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs on August 29, 2026, outlining a presidential campaign strategy to replace palliatives with job creation ahead of the upcoming 2027 general election.
Atiku Abubakar Announces $100 Billion Start-Up Pledge Ahead of 2027
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress Atiku Abubakar used a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to outline an economic agenda centered on youth empowerment and small business financing. The centerpiece of the proposal is a $100 billion financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs. According to the statements, the initiative aims to shift national economic policy away from short-term financial relief and toward long-term productivity. Atiku said young Nigerians need a government that creates opportunities for them to prosper rather than one that teaches them how to cope with economic hardship.
“Nigeria’s young people do not need a government that teaches them how to survive hardship. They need a government that gives them the opportunity to prosper.”
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President
Targeting Purchasing Power and Economic Dependence
The announcement directly addresses the widespread economic strain affecting households and small commercial enterprises. Atiku stated that the cost-of-living crisis had reduced the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians, weakened small businesses and made it increasingly difficult for young people to access jobs, capital and economic independence. According to him, his administration, if elected, will focus on restoring purchasing power, reducing the cost of living and deliberately expanding economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
“My commitment is to change that. We will restore purchasing power, reduce the cost of living and deliberately expand opportunities for young Nigerians, including through a $100 billion financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs.”
Atiku stated
The former Vice President stated that the objective was to move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise and from unemployment to productivity.
“Our objective is simple: move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity, and from palliatives to prosperity.”
Atiku said
Delegation Visit Spurs Commitment to N-Power Beneficiaries
Atiku disclosed that he made the commitment while receiving a nationwide delegation of N-Power beneficiaries who visited him to declare their support for his presidential candidacy. He said he thanked the delegation for their confidence and assured them that Nigeria’s future could not be built through the distribution of poverty.
“I reiterated that Nigeria cannot build its future by distributing poverty. We must build an economy that creates jobs, rewards enterprise and gives every young Nigerian a fair chance to succeed.”
Atiku said
Political Stakes and the 2027 General Election
As political figures prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle, economic hardship, youth unemployment, job creation and access to capital have remained major issues. Atiku, who is seeking the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election, said Nigerians faced a choice between maintaining an economy that he claimed was shrinking opportunities and building one capable of restoring hope, dignity and prosperity.
“The choice before us is between continuing with an economy that shrinks opportunities and building one that restores hope, dignity and prosperity. We will make Nigeria affordable again.”
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress
With youth unemployment and capital access remaining dominant political themes, Atiku is among the politicians positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
