Atiku Abubakar, the former vice‑president and presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), launched his 2027 campaign in Sokoto State on Wednesday, pledging to end insecurity, restore hope for Nigerian youth and make the country affordable again.
During a rally at the party’s state secretariat on Ilorin Road, the 71‑year‑old said Nigerians had endured “hunger, insecurity and promises that failed to translate into meaningful improvements.” He vowed to protect lives and property, revive economic activity and rebuild public confidence in leadership. “I will end the insecurity that haunts our communities, restore hope to our young people, and make Nigeria affordable again,” he declared.
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s request for fresh external borrowing of $7.7 billion (approximately N10.79 trillion). He urged the National Assembly to reject the loan unless the administration provides a comprehensive account of past borrowings, a detailed list of projects to be financed and a credible repayment plan.
The former vice‑president’s arrival at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport at about 1 p.m. was greeted by thousands of supporters, including his running mate Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal and other party leaders. The event, tagged “Northern Hurricane,” drew criticism from the ADC after allegations that the Department of State Services and other security agencies were attempting to disrupt the rally by mobilising protesters and imposing a curfew.
Atiku accused the DSS of harassing ADC supporters and called for an investigation into the alleged intimidation. The DSS denied the claims and said its Director‑General had ordered an inquiry. Despite the controversy, supporters reported that security forces had blocked roads into the city, a claim that was later refuted by the agency.
In a statement issued by the ADC’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the campaign emphasised that the government’s continued reliance on external borrowing was unacceptable after the removal of the petroleum subsidy and other economic reforms that were expected to improve public finances. The ADC’s launch in Sokoto marked the first major event of the “Northern Hurricane” campaign, with the party calling on Nigerians to demand a government that addresses economic and security concerns.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
