Atiku Abubakar arrives in Sokoto for ADC presidential campaign launch
African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar touches down in Sokoto State to launch his 2027 election campaign.
At a glance
- Atiku Abubakar arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Wednesday ahead of the ADC campaign flag-off.
- The event is scheduled to take place at the party secretariat along Ilorin Road in Sokoto.
- Supporters gathered in large numbers, while party officials previously alleged attempts to disrupt the rally.
On Wednesday, Atiku Abubakar, who is running for president under the African Democratic Congress banner, touched down in Sokoto State to officially kick off his campaign. Reaching the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport around 1pm, the former Vice-President received a welcome from his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, alongside other key party figures.
Thousands of supporters filled the roads leading to the ADC state secretariat along Ilorin Road, where the rally is set to take place. The launch follows days of planning and earlier disputes over venue access and security concerns.
Arrival and event preparations
According to Punch, Atiku arrived accompanied by members of his campaign team and was received by prominent figures including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former minister Abubakar Malami.
Ahead of the event, the Sokoto State Presidential Campaign Coordinator for the ADC, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, issued a statement inviting party members, support groups, and local executives across all 23 local government areas to participate in the gathering.
Prior tensions and allegations
The party had initially kept the campaign venue secret, citing security concerns and claiming it faced difficulties accessing public facilities. Atiku also accused the All Progressives Congress and the Department of State Services of plotting to disrupt the event, an allegation that the APC denied.
On the ground, supporter Abubakar Yusuf alleged that local security outfits were deployed to block incoming roads, though he stated that attendees managed to reach the venue despite the hurdles.
Campaign momentum and next steps
The Sokoto event marks a critical official start for the ADC's national election bid, testing the party's mobilization strength in the region. How local authorities and security agencies manage large political gatherings in the coming months will set the tone for the 2027 race.
The reports did not include an immediate response from the Sokoto State Government regarding the allegations of road blockages.
What to watch: The official proceedings of the ADC campaign flag-off at the Sokoto secretariat.
Reporting from: Punch, Daily Post. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Atiku Abubakar
- ADC
- Sokoto
- 2027 Election
- Rotimi Amaechi
- Nigeria
- Politics