Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar arrived in Sokoto State on November 4, 2026, alongside his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, to kick-start the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign. Atiku arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport at about 1 pm, accompanied by members of his campaign team. He was received by Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, and other party leaders.
The campaign flag-off is scheduled to take place at the ADC state secretariat along Ilorin Road, with thousands of supporters gathering around the venue ahead of the event. Despite tension following Atiku's allegation that the Department of State Services (DSS) was recruiting protesters to cause disturbances, the event is expected to proceed as planned. Atiku had accused the DSS of plotting to disrupt the rally and create a situation that could lead to a curfew being imposed to stop the campaign.
Atiku made the allegation during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He also accused the Sokoto State Government of obstructing the party's campaign activities and denying it access to public facilities. The DSS rejected the allegation and said its Director-General had ordered an investigation. The agency also cited an incident in which its operatives reportedly rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31.
Despite the disagreement, Atiku had insisted that the campaign would go ahead and urged residents and supporters to remain peaceful. The former Vice-President also called on security agencies to protect residents, commuters, and rally participants without discrimination. The Sokoto event marks the commencement of the ADC's presidential campaign activities in the state ahead of the 2027 general election.
The ADC presidential candidate has been making allegations of plots to disrupt his campaign. Atiku had also accused the Sokoto State Government of obstructing the party's campaign activities. The party has, however, vowed to continue with its campaign activities, with the Sokoto event being a major milestone.
The 2027 general election is expected to be a major contest, with various parties vying for power. Atiku's ADC is one of the parties contesting for the presidency, with the former Vice-President as its candidate. The party is expected to present its plans and agenda to Nigerians ahead of the election.
The arrival of Atiku and Amaechi in Sokoto State marks a significant event in the ADC's campaign. The party is expected to use the event to drum up support for its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election. The event is also seen as a show of strength for the party, with thousands of supporters expected to attend.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi arrive in Sokoto State for the ADC presidential campaign flag-off.
- Atiku alleges that the DSS is plotting to disrupt the rally.
- The event marks the commencement of the ADC's presidential campaign activities in Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general election.
