Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has pledged to restore the fuel subsidy, reopen Nigeria’s land borders for legitimate business and tackle insecurity if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the promises yesterday while addressing a large crowd of party supporters at the ADC presidential campaign flag-off held along Ilorin Road in Sokoto State.
He lamented the country’s economic and security challenges, saying Nigerians had never experienced such hardship as they were currently facing under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
Accusations against ruling administration
The former vice-president accused the ruling government of implementing anti-people policies that had worsened the living conditions of Nigerians, insisting that the ADC would prioritise security, economic recovery and improved welfare if voted into power.
He assured supporters that he was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises, urging Nigerians to vote for the ADC and remain vigilant in protecting their votes during the 2027 elections.
Atiku described Sokoto as politically significant, noting that its position as the seat of the Caliphate gave it considerable influence not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa.
He alleged that the ruling party had made efforts to frustrate the campaign rally, insisting that the event would not have held without the determination and resilience of ADC members in the state.
Party leadership calls for change
Also speaking, ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening poverty and economic hardship across the country.
Amaechi described corruption under the present administration as unprecedented, alleging that the government was borrowing public funds while simultaneously allowing widespread looting.
He called on Nigerians to support the ADC, arguing that the party offered an alternative to the policies and leadership of the APC.
In his remarks, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark urged Sokoto residents to vote for the party’s candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections.
Mark expressed confidence in the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, saying their combined experience and leadership capacity would address the country’s numerous challenges.
Local grievances and political tactics
Earlier, ADC Sokoto State leader and former governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal criticised the state government over alleged attempts to frustrate the party’s campaign activities.
Tambuwal accused the APC-led administration of denying the ADC access to campaign venues and hotel accommodation, describing the actions as efforts to undermine opposition activities in the state.
He urged Sokoto residents, whom he described as an enlightened population with a longstanding tradition of scholarship, to reject Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration in the next election.
Tambuwal also accused the state government of resorting to what he described as crude political tactics, calling on voters to support the ADC in 2027.
