Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi Address Youth Disillusionment and Mental Health Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced urgent concerns about the growing disillusionment among young Nigerians regarding their future. This statement coincides with remarks from presidential contender Peter Obi, who linked the ongoing economic hardships to a rising mental health crisis affecting the population.

Atiku expressed his sadness over the despair voiced by young Nigerians, who are grappling with issues such as poor governance, fraudulent elections, and the resulting economic difficulties. Through a post on his Facebook page, he emphasized that the youth’s desired change cannot be achieved through voter apathy. Notably, he pointed out that voter turnout in recent elections has hovered between 25% and 30%, which he described as disheartening.

During a gathering on Sunday evening, Atiku met with a group of youths from across the 19 Northern states, led by Alh. Adamu Bappa Gombe. They expressed their frustration over the perceived ineffectiveness of their votes and the negative implications of bad governance on their livelihoods and businesses. Atiku encouraged the youth not to lose hope and stressed the importance of their participation in the democratic process.

He stated, “I told them the change they desire can only come through the ballot. I reminded them that they have a responsibility to mobilize their fellow young people to keep participating in the process of leadership recruitment through elections.” He urged them to aim for increased voter participation in the upcoming elections in 2027, affirming his commitment to combating anti-democratic forces in Nigeria.

In parallel, Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, highlighted the alarming mental health challenges plaguing the nation. In a tweet commemorating Mental Health Day on October 10, he noted that poverty and unemployment are pushing many Nigerians into a state of despair and even criminality. Citing a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), he revealed that approximately 40 million Nigerians are living with mental health conditions, while the country has fewer than 300 psychiatrists available to provide care.

Obi lamented, “This clearly shows Nigeria’s growing disinterest and neglect of the health sector. Mental health is more important than physical health.” He emphasized that the burdens of poverty, unemployment, and the daily struggle for survival are overwhelming many citizens, particularly the youth, leading to hopelessness and an increased rate of suicide.

He called on the government to address the underlying issues of poverty, unemployment, and hunger, which he believes contribute significantly to the mental health crisis. Both Atiku and Obi’s comments reflect a broader concern for the future and well-being of Nigeria’s youth, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in governance and social support.

The dialogue surrounding these issues underscores the critical intersection of political engagement and mental health in Nigeria, as leaders urge the youth to take an active role in shaping their country’s future.