The African Democratic Congress has held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto. The event took place at the party’s secretariat along Ilorin Road. The venue was disclosed by Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Sokoto State. He said Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, would arrive at Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by 9 am. Supporters were invited to receive him before proceeding to the venue.
Atiku Abubakar has contested every presidential election since 2007. He lost in 2019 and 2023. He is the ADC candidate for 2027. Sokoto is a key northern state. The north-west has the largest voter population. The ADC is a smaller party. It lacks the machinery of the APC or PDP. Atiku relies on his network and personal following. The campaign flag-off is a formal start. It is also a test of the party’s logistical capacity. The venue dispute suggests the environment is hostile.
The ADC initially refused to disclose the venue. The party cited allegations of intimidation and suppression. The governorship candidate in Sokoto, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, reportedly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy near the airport on Friday night. The APC denied responsibility. Three days after the incident, a campaign office of the ADC was sealed. There were also allegations that the Sokoto State government denied the ADC a suitable venue.
On Tuesday night, Atiku alleged that the APC and the Department of State Services were plotting to scuttle the campaign. The DSS denied the allegation. Lamido’s statement urged party executives across the 23 local government areas to mobilise for the event. The flag-off proceeded. The crowd was mobilised. The campaign is now formally underway.
Winners: Atiku, who gains a platform. The ADC, which shows resilience. Supporters, who gain a rally. The DSS, which denied the allegation and gained a public record. Losers: The APC, which faces accusations. The Sokoto State Government, which faces venue denial claims. The ADC, whose campaign was disrupted. Voters, who see another hostile campaign environment. The security agencies, whose neutrality is questioned.
Bottom Line: The flag-off held. Atiku spoke. The obstacles were real. The campaign is underway. Sokoto is a battleground. The election is in January. The ADC has ground to cover.