Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Sokoto State for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign flag-off ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport at about 1pm on Wednesday, November 4. Members of his campaign team accompanied him.
His arrival marks a major step in the ADC’s efforts to strengthen its political presence in Sokoto ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi, Tambuwal, Malami Welcome Atiku
Several prominent political figures welcomed the ADC presidential candidate at the airport.
They included his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; and former minister, Abubakar Malami.
Malami is also the ADC’s governorship candidate in Kebbi State. Other party leaders, including Manir Dan’Iya of Sokoto, also attended the reception.
Meanwhile, thousands of ADC supporters gathered at the party’s state secretariat and nearby roads. They came out to welcome Atiku and participate in the campaign event.
Supporters Allege Attempts to Restrict Movement
Some supporters expressed determination to attend the campaign despite reported difficulties accessing parts of Sokoto.
One supporter, Abubakar Yusuf, told Punch that alleged intimidation by the state government would not discourage them.
Yusuf claimed that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps had blocked roads leading into the town.
“They mobilised the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard Corps to block roads leading to the town, but we overwhelmed them,” he said.
However, the report did not independently establish the allegation or provide a response from the Sokoto State Government.
ADC Begins Sokoto Campaign Mobilisation
The campaign flag-off will take place at the ADC state secretariat along Ilorin Road, Sokoto.
The party’s Sokoto State Presidential Campaign Coordinator, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, earlier announced the venue and called for widespread participation.
Lamido urged party executives across the state’s 23 local government areas and wards to mobilise their members.
He also called on support groups, women and youth organisations to activate their structures ahead of the event.
The ADC had earlier moved the campaign flag-off from October 31 to November 4. The campaign council cited planning and coordination considerations for the postponement.
The event forms part of the party’s preparations to mobilise supporters and strengthen its structures ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
