Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday flagged off his 2027 campaign in Sokoto, warning that what he described as the rigging of the 2023 election would not be allowed to repeat itself.
Addressing a large crowd at the party’s state secretariat, Atiku urged supporters to come out massively, vote, and protect their votes until they are counted and announced. He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of moving from village to village in the North to buy voters’ cards, and promised to restore fuel subsidy, reopen land borders and tackle insecurity if elected.
“We will not allow what happened in the last elections to happen anymore,” he said.
“Vote massively and protect your votes and make sure your vote is counted and announced.”
Atiku said an ADC government would prioritize restoring security, reviving the economy and easing the hardship facing households.
He pledged to reinstate fuel subsidies, reopen land borders to legitimate trade and stimulate commercial activity, particularly in northern communities.
“Our borders are open to legitimate trade with our partners because we are all on the same side,” he said.
“We are also promising to return wealth to the people,” the former Vice President said.
The pledges contrast with the economic direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which removed the longstanding fuel subsidy and adjusted border and trade policies as part of broader fiscal reforms.
Those measures have been defended by officials as necessary to stabilize public finances, but they have also contributed to higher transport and food costs.
The Sokoto event marked the formal start of Atiku’s bid for the presidency under the ADC, a party seeking to consolidate opposition support ahead of the 2027 general election.
He is expected to face a crowded field, with insecurity, inflation, fuel prices and governance likely to define the campaign.
ADC National Chairman David Mark said the large turnout, from the airport to the campaign venue, reflected growing discontent with the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
“If I were in government, I would also be afraid with this number of supporters,” Mark said, adding that the journey from the airport, normally a short drive, took nearly four hours because of the crowds.
He also praised the local appeal of former Sokoto Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the party’s governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya.
Atiku accused the Sokoto State Government of attempting to obstruct the rally, though the event proceeded under tight security.
“The state government never wanted this event to be held, but by the grace of God, we are here today,” he said.
The launch was attended by Tambuwal, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Dan’Iya and other coalition leaders.
