From Umar Danladi Ado,Sokoto
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has flagged off the party’s presidential campaign in Sokoto, pledging to restore security, reopen borders for legitimate trade and return fuel subsidy if given the mandate.
Speaking at the well-attended flag-off in Sokoto, the former Vice President thanked the people of Sokoto for making it possible for the party to commence its presidential campaign in the state, noting that the ruling party in the state did not want the occasion to hold.
“We want to thank you indeed for making it possible for us to commence our presidential campaign in Sokoto. The ruling party in Sokoto did not want this occasion or this event to hold. But the leadership of the party has made it possible for this event to hold in Sokoto,” he said.
Atiku highlighted the significance of Sokoto in Northern Nigeria and indeed West Africa, describing it as the seat of the Caliphate, which before colonisation administered a very large part of West Africa.
He appealed to all supporters to come out, vote massively and protect their votes.
In his address, the ADC presidential candidate enumerated some of his promises to Nigerians, top among which is to ensure that security is restored in every part of the country.
Secondly, he promised to ensure that, particularly in the North, the nation’s borders are opened to legitimate trade between brothers and sisters across the region.
Thirdly, he reiterated his promise to return power to the people, to everybody in the country, and to return fuel subsidy to cushion the hardship faced by Nigerians.
He appealed to everyone to come out, vote massively, protect their votes and make sure their votes are counted and announced.
“We will not allow what happened in the last elections to happen anymore. We should all rally, all the supporters and the people of the state, to vote for a good government in the state and at the national level.
“I thank you very much indeed for this wonderful reception. For me, Sokoto is home. This is another homecoming. I thank you very much,” he added.
Also speaking, his running mate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, lauded the mammoth crowd that turned out for the event, remarking that Sokoto State will resist any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded the party, saying Sokoto is more than ready for the 2027 general polls.
In his remarks, former Governor and ADC leader in the state, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, declared that Sokoto State remains the home of the ADC, arguing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to redeem all his campaign promises to Nigerians.
The ADC governorship candidate in the state, Hon. Manir Dan’Iya, and several other speakers expressed optimism that the people of the state and Nigerians will come out en masse to vote for Atiku and other ADC candidates at all levels during the forthcoming general elections.