Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate, addressed supporters at a rally in Sokoto, Nigeria, on Wednesday. The event was held at the party's state secretariat on Ilorin Road, Sokoto, despite allegations that the State Security Service was planning to disrupt it. Atiku promised to tackle insecurity and reopen land borders for legitimate trade, while renewing his argument that government intervention could reduce the cost of living. He was accompanied by senior party figures, including his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi.
The rally in Sokoto was a show of strength for Atiku's party, with a large turnout of supporters. The party portrayed the event as an endorsement of Atiku's affordability message. Atiku's campaign has focused on a targeted, production-based subsidy for qualifying petroleum products refined in Nigeria. The proposal aims to reduce the cost of living by making essential goods more affordable. Atiku's campaign also emphasized the need for government intervention to address insecurity and stimulate economic growth.
The police have not established the attackers' party affiliations or any political sponsorship. Obi accused APC supporters of involvement, but investigators have not confirmed this. The incident coincided with a separate directive from the Inspector-General of Police, ordering commissioners nationwide to prevent and investigate the destruction of political posters and billboards. The police are investigating the attack and have not ruled out the possibility of political motives.
President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn an earlier external borrowing request and submitted a replacement proposal for $7.7 billion to help finance the 2026 budget. The withdrawn request involved approximately $20.52 billion and €1.05 billion under a supplementary external borrowing plan for 2026–2027. Tinubu said the borrowing would support programmes in infrastructure, defence, agriculture, healthcare, power, and education.
Atiku Abubakar criticized President Tinubu's new borrowing request, arguing that it would lead to more debt and worsen the country's economic situation. Atiku has promised to make fuel and other essentials more affordable if elected. His campaign has focused on addressing the high cost of living and stimulating economic growth. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought international assistance to combat election-related disinformation.
The incidents in Sokoto and Calabar highlight the tensions and challenges facing Nigeria's electoral process. The country's presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2027, and the campaigns are heating up. The candidates are vying for support from voters, and the incidents have raised concerns about the security and credibility of the electoral process.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar holds rally in Sokoto, promising to tackle insecurity and reduce the cost of living.
- Peter Obi's convoy is attacked in Calabar, with a suspect arrested and police investigating possible political motives.
- President Tinubu submits new borrowing request of $7.7 billion to finance 2026 budget, sparking criticism from Atiku Abubakar.
