In a significant political development, a nationwide delegation of N-Power beneficiaries has declared their support for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the 2027 elections. This endorsement was announced by AbdulAziz Na'ibi Abubakar, a member of The Atiku Movement, through a statement on his Facebook account on August 29, 2026.

According to Na'ibi, approximately 1.4 million N-Power beneficiaries have pledged their backing for Atiku, although this figure remains unverified by independent sources. The announcement comes as various political parties intensify their mobilization efforts in anticipation of the upcoming elections.

The N-Power programme, initiated under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2016, aimed to address youth unemployment in Nigeria. It enrolled thousands of participants across its Batch A, B, and C cycles, offering monthly stipends of N30,000 for graduates and N10,000 for non-graduates. However, the scheme has faced significant challenges, including a suspension in October 2023 due to irregularities in payments and an ongoing audit.

The suspension was prompted by revelations that many beneficiaries continued to receive payments despite their participation having lapsed, while others had secured other employment but still collected stipends. A communique from the National Programme Manager, Akindele Egbuwalo, highlighted these issues, indicating a need for immediate reform within the programme.

Adding to the turmoil, N-Power beneficiaries have been vocal about an alleged N81 billion backlog of unpaid allowances, dating back to 2022 and 2023. In July 2025, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin intervened in the matter, facilitating discussions between government officials and representatives of the beneficiaries. Following these talks, the beneficiaries agreed to postpone legal action against the government after receiving assurances that the debts would be addressed.

The endorsement of Atiku Abubakar by the N-Power beneficiaries occurs against this backdrop of financial grievances and political uncertainty. As the election approaches, the support from this group could play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, particularly given their previous experiences with the government’s handling of the N-Power programme.

As political parties gear up for the elections, the voices of N-Power beneficiaries may resonate strongly, influencing voter sentiment and potentially impacting the outcome of the 2027 presidential race.