The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to campaign across Nigeria’s 36 states ahead of the 2027 presidential election, rejecting suggestions that his electoral outreach would concentrate primarily on the North.
The party’s Presidential Campaign Council said its strategy would extend beyond conventional political rallies to include direct engagements with communities at the grassroots.
Director of Strategic Communication for the council, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed the plans during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday.
According to him, the campaign timetable would be made public shortly, with Atiku expected to visit state capitals, local government areas and rural communities.
Shaibu explained that the proposed approach would allow the former vice-president to interact with voters through town hall meetings and other community-based activities.
“We are not going to limit our campaign to just state capital or to just rallies. Atiku is already connected with the people,” he said.
The campaign spokesman maintained that economic challenges facing Nigerians were not peculiar to any region, arguing that widespread hardship would influence voters’ decisions during the election.
“The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise,” Shaibu stated.
He also expressed confidence in Atiku’s electoral prospects, predicting that the former vice-president would secure support across the country.
“I will not just be bold, I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he declared.
His comments come amid differing campaign approaches being adopted by the major political parties ahead of the presidential contest.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier indicated that he would personally attend campaign rallies in only 12 states, citing the need to maintain his responsibilities as Nigeria’s sitting president.
Speaking during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, Tinubu said governance would remain a priority throughout the electioneering period.
“Nigeria needs more attention now,” the president said while acknowledging concerns that extensive campaigning could interfere with his official duties.
Tinubu also referenced the government’s financial commitments and efforts to attract investment as reasons for limiting his participation in campaign activities.
According to a timetable reported by PUNCH, the president’s scheduled campaign appearances would begin in Kaduna on October 24 and conclude in Lagos on January 9, 2027.
While Tinubu’s personal appearances are expected to cover selected states, Atiku’s campaign organisation says its candidate intends to undertake a broader nationwide tour.
The ADC has yet to release specific dates and locations for the proposed engagements.
With political parties preparing to intensify their election activities, the contrasting strategies are expected to shape how candidates engage voters in the months preceding the 2027 presidential poll.
Ezeana Emmanuel
