Atiku Pledges to Resume Kolmani Oil Exploration if Elected

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to continue oil exploration at the Kolmani oil field and revive major energy projects in the North-East if elected president in the 2027 general elections. He made the pledge during the ADC presidential campaign rally in Bauchi State, outlining his proposed energy, economic and security priorities for Nigeria. Atiku aims to prioritize energy development and economic interventions to ease the financial burden on Nigerians.

Atiku also promised to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies, strengthen security in the North-East and resume construction work on the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. His administration would focus on energy development and economic interventions to alleviate the financial struggles of households and businesses. Atiku expressed confidence in the people of Bauchi State, urging residents to remain determined and defend their votes through the democratic process.

The former vice-president appealed to voters to support ADC candidates at all levels in the forthcoming elections, describing the party as an alternative platform for addressing Nigeria's economic and security challenges. Former Rivers State governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, stated that an ADC-led government would tackle corruption, promote accountability and create wealth for Nigerians. Amaechi emphasized the need for leadership committed to addressing economic hardship and improving citizens' welfare.

The National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, commended supporters for their turnout, describing the gathering as evidence of the party's growing political acceptance in Bauchi State. Mark urged members not to be provoked by opponents and to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections. He called on supporters to strengthen the party's structures across communities and secure votes for ADC candidates.

Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Augustine Akobundu, commended Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for granting the party access to government facilities for the rally. Akobundu urged other governors to provide similar opportunities to political parties, arguing that equal access to public facilities would strengthen democratic participation.

An ADC chieftain, Naja'atu Mohammed, and the party's governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Senator Halliru Jika, expressed confidence in the ADC's electoral prospects. Jika disclosed that the party had established polling unit executives across the country to strengthen mobilisation and election-day coordination. He urged voters to remain peaceful during the electoral process and ensure that their votes were protected.

Atiku's promises on Kolmani oil exploration and the Mambilla power project place energy development at the centre of his campaign message, particularly in the North-East. The proposed restoration of petroleum and electricity subsidies is likely to generate further debate over financial implications, implementation framework and sustainability. The rally attracted ADC leaders, supporters and stakeholders from Bauchi and neighbouring states.

Key points

• Atiku Abubakar pledges to resume Kolmani oil exploration and revive major energy projects in North-East Nigeria if elected president.
• Atiku promises to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies and strengthen security in the North-East.
• The ADC campaign rally in Bauchi State drew attention to the party's growing political acceptance and its plans for energy development and economic interventions.