The PDP candidate to unveil his campaign promises to engage the Nigerian youths in gainful employment and improve the nation’s economy

THE campaign of Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate of the Poeples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, February 6, launched the world’s first ‘emojified’ manifesto in a new effort to attract youth voters.

Drawn from the previously published Atiku Plan, the #AtikuPlanForYOUth brings to life the PDP candidate’s promises to Nigeria’s 130 million under-30s.

In an increasingly noisy debate, the Abubakar campaign said the aim was to cut through the rhetoric to help youth voters understand more about the issues that matter most to them.

The novel manifesto ‘emojifies’ 40 pledges from #TheAtikuPlan across the key areas of government, education, jobs, human capital, economy, business, and sport and culture.

Highlights include pledges that Atiku will: Devote 25% of the budget to education – Buhari allocated only 7% in 2018; Create up to 3 million new private sector jobs each year; Deliver a $900 billion, top 20 global economy, among others.

Nigeria’s slowing economy and failing education system have driven youth unemployment to record highs – reaching 38% in the second quarter of 2018. Only 50% of children finish primary school with many of them unable to go to secondary school, resulting in seven million young people each year entering a struggling labour market with few if any relevant skills.

The #AtikuPlanForYOUth is aimed at Nigerians youths looking for major new investment in job creation, apprenticeships and vocational training.

Osita Chidoka, the campaign spokesman, said: “The #AtikuPlanForYOUth is our way of speaking directly to young people with a positive message of hope for their lives and careers. Our youth have been badly let down during four years of neglect by the Buhari government, which has left them without adequate preparation or opportunities in the modern economy.

“By condensing #TheAtikuPlan into a set of youth-focused promises, we’re cutting through the noise to tell young people clearly and simply why Atiku is the only bridge to the brighter future they deserve.”

The #AtikuPlanForYOUth was created and launched by @WeVoteAtiku – part of the official PDP election campaign. With Election Day on Saturday, February 16, the campaign is entering its final phase to rally voters behind its pro-business message.

Mr Chidoka continued: “Our young people are our most precious asset today, and our message to them is clear: Act now. Take your future into your hands. Come out and vote for Atiku on February 16th.”

– Feb. 6, 2019 @ 12:45 GMT |