The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to campaign across all 36 states of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The party’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, assuring Nigerians that no state would be excluded from the former vice-president’s campaign schedule.
Shaibu said the party would release its campaign timetable soon, adding that Atiku’s campaign would extend beyond state capitals to local government areas, communities and villages.
“We are going to release our schedule in a few days. Or in a few hours. And you will see for yourself. You will be able to interrogate for yourself. That look, Atiku Abubakar – no state will be left out,” he said.
He explained that the campaign would feature town hall meetings, community visits and rallies, stressing that the candidate intended to engage directly with Nigerians and listen to their concerns.
“We are not going to limit our campaign to just state capital or to just rallies. Atiku is already connected with the people. The people are hungry. People are dying. Do you understand? He needs to connect with them. He needs to listen to them,” Shaibu stated.
The ADC spokesman maintained that economic hardship across the country would influence voters’ decisions, arguing that the challenges faced by Nigerians were not limited to any particular region.
According to him, Atiku’s appeal cuts across regional boundaries, as citizens in both northern and southern Nigeria face similar economic difficulties.
“As for the pathway, I’ll tell you. Our pathway is clear and simple. The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise,” he said.
Shaibu added that the party was confident of securing support across the country, insisting that Atiku’s electoral prospects extended beyond northern Nigeria.
“Hungry Nigerians will vote for Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s pathway is not limited to Northern Nigeria. Atiku’s pathway is across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” he added.
When asked which southern states the former vice-president expected to win, Shaibu expressed confidence in the party’s chances, declaring that Atiku could win nationwide.
“I will not just be bold; I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he said.
The ADC’s position contrasts with remarks by President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14.
At the event, Tinubu reportedly said he would not accompany the campaign team to every rally, citing the responsibilities of his office and the country’s financial obligations.
According to previous reports by Vanguard, the president stressed that his official duties would continue despite the campaign, asking the team to excuse him from attending every event.
The ADC campaign council has also criticised reports that Tinubu plans to make personal appearances in 12 states, arguing that a presidential candidate seeking re-election should engage voters across the country.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the ADC’s proposed nationwide campaign is expected to form a key part of its strategy to broaden Atiku’s appeal and mobilise support across Nigeria.