Atiku in Sokoto for ADC Campaign Launch Amid Disputes with State Government

Atiku Abubakar arrived in Sokoto on Wednesday for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign launch. This came despite a disagreement between the party and the state government about campaign facilities.

His arrival matched a call from the ADC for Nigerians to learn from the United States midterm elections on Tuesday and vote against President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Atiku’s campaign spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, confirmed his arrival to PREMIUM TIMES. He said the event was going ahead as planned.

“The event is proceeding. Nothing is stopping us, like His Excellency said yesterday, that he is coming to Sokoto. He has landed,” Mr Shaibu said in a voice message.

He mentioned that the entourage faced heavy traffic after leaving the airport, where supporters gathered to welcome the former vice president.

“We landed since 1 p.m. One and a half hours later, we are still in the traffic because of the mammoth crowd that has thronged the airport to receive him,” he said.

Pictures and videos shared with PREMIUM TIMES showed people gathered along parts of the route. Vehicles and motorcycles moved through crowded roads near the Welcome to Sokoto arch.

LEADERSHIP reported that Atiku was with former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Abdul Ningi, and the ADC governorship candidate in the state, Manir Dan’iya.

The campaign launch was set for 5 p.m. at the party’s state campaign office.

Dispute over Campaign Facilities

The ADC accused the Sokoto State Government of blocking its campaign activities. They said the government sealed an office, restricted access to public facilities, and failed to stop attacks on opposition supporters.

The state government has denied claims of political intimidation. The Department of State Services (DSS) also denied Mr Atiku’s claim that it was recruiting protesters to disrupt the campaign.

‘Draw Lessons from US Elections’

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC called Tuesday’s US midterm elections a rejection of the ruling Republican Party’s leadership and economic policies.

“Americans have shown that when politicians become arrogant, when policies punish ordinary people, and when those in power mistake popularity for a permanent licence to govern, the ballot box remains the ultimate instrument of accountability,” the statement said.

The party urged Nigerians to judge the Tinubu administration’s record on the cost of living, insecurity, and employment. They advised against voting based on political loyalties or personalities.

“We cannot continue to complain about the cost of living while voting for a President who has made life unaffordable. We cannot demand security while rewarding failure,” it said.

The ADC also restated its promises on affordability, security, and jobs with the slogans “Make Nigeria Affordable Again”, “Make Nigeria Safe Again”, and “Give Nigerians Jobs Again.”

Atiku has suggested changes to electricity tariffs. The party has also shared proposals on taxation, healthcare, and other areas.

“If Americans can use their votes to demand better, Nigerians can do the same. In 2027, let our votes speak louder than the APC-induced suffering,” the statement concluded.