Atiku Abubakar Launches ADC Presidential Campaign in Sokoto
Atiku Abubakar launched the African Democratic Congress presidential campaign in Sokoto amid allegations that the state government sealed party offices to intimidate the opposition.
Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar launched the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign in the North-West on November 4, 2026. After arriving at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Abubakar visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, to seek royal blessings before heading to a campaign venue on Ilorin Road to present the party's agenda for national unity, security, and economic revival.
The campaign launch occurred during a period of heightened tension between the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress. The ADC accused the Government of Sokoto State of sealing its campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way and reported attacks on supporters in the 48 hours leading up to the event. ADC State Chairman Bello Muhammad Goronyo dismissed the closure of the office as an attempt to intimidate the opposition.
To manage the event, security forces deployed across the Sokoto metropolis to maintain order and handle heavy traffic gridlock. Despite the friction with state authorities, party leaders including governorship candidate Manir Dan Iya expressed confidence in an overwhelming victory.
