Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that Nigerians sent in more than 1,000 questions in just 30 minutes after launching his citizen-engagement platform, Ask AA, on Thursday evening.
He shared this update in a tweet shortly after the platform went live at 8:30 p.m. on October 15. "Already I have over 1000 questions coming from Nigerians in the last half an hour," he wrote.
The platform, which can be accessed at this website, allows Nigerians to ask Atiku about his political history, policies, and plans for the country as the 2027 general elections approach.
During the launch broadcast, Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi discussed key issues like insecurity and the economy. In one clip, Amaechi connected insecurity to unemployment and the lack of economic opportunities. "If we don’t create jobs and we don’t create a legitimate economy, then the people will create for themselves an illegitimate economy," he said.
He pointed out issues like kidnapping, armed robbery, and oil theft as examples of crimes related to the economic troubles he mentioned. Amaechi also talked about a $10 billion investment and training for security personnel, but the clip did not give enough context about these claims.
He stressed the need for education and job creation to tackle the country’s security issues.
How the platform works
In a promotional video released before the launch, Atiku stated that Nigerians deserve answers regarding his political record and future plans. "Fellow Nigerians, I know you have questions about me, my past, my plans, and my vision for our country, and I believe you deserve answers," he said.
The platform allows users to send questions, search previously answered questions, and choose language options like English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Atiku also promised to call selected participants who share their contact information.
In a statement about this initiative, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, explained that the platform aims to connect Atiku with Nigerians. "The objective of this initiative is to bring Atiku Abubakar closer to the electorate through a practical, problem-solving platform," Mr. Shaibu said.
According to the ADC’s official announcement, Atiku will personally answer questions with help from his media team. The campaign also plans to launch a radio interface for communities without internet access, but there is no timeline for that yet.
Atiku ran for the presidency in the 2023 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner and is now working with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the 2027 elections draw near. In introducing Ask AA, he noted that governance has felt too far from ordinary Nigerians. "For too long, governance has felt distant, locked behind walls of bureaucracy," he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to closely examine his record on the economy, security, technology, and employment. The number of questions Atiku claimed to have received has not been verified independently. The campaign has also not shared how many questions have been answered, how they choose which questions to address, or what measures are in place to protect participants' personal data.
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