Atiku launches ADC 2027 campaign in Sokoto amid security concerns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar arrived in Sokoto State on Wednesday to launch the African Democratic Congress campaign for the 2027 presidential election. The event took place at the ADC's state secretariat located on Ilorin Road, with Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the party's presidential campaign coordinator in Sokoto, confirming arrangements for the gathering.

Abubakar's arrival at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport drew crowds of supporters to welcome him, causing traffic congestion at key entry points to the state. The ADC had initially kept the campaign venue confidential, citing security threats and concerns about potential disruptions.

Party spokesman Dahiru Maishanu stated that the secrecy was a precautionary step following reports of plans to disrupt the event and after the Sokoto government shut down the party's campaign office. Senator Lamido later disclosed the location publicly, inviting party members and the public to gather at the secretariat for the flag-off activities.

The Sokoto rally represents the opening phase of the ADC's mobilization strategy for the 2027 general elections. The campaign launch follows an increasingly tense political environment between the opposition and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

According to reports, the ADC's gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, escaped an earlier incident without injury. The party coordinated with security agencies to protect the event and ensure its smooth execution.

Lamido stated that party executives across the state's 23 local government areas and their wards were mobilized to participate in the campaign activities. The Sokoto launch serves as the formal beginning of the ADC's nationwide campaign push heading into the 2027 elections.