The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar will campaign across all 36 states of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, dismissing suggestions that the former vice-president’s campaign would focus predominantly on northern Nigeria.
Shaibu said the campaign timetable would be released soon, assuring Nigerians that no state would be excluded from Atiku’s engagements with voters.
“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 go beyond rallies in state capitals to include town hall meetings, community engagements and visits to local government areas and villages.
According to him, the approach is intended to give Atiku opportunities to interact directly with Nigerians, listen to their concerns and address issues affecting their daily lives.
“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 said.
The campaign spokesman identified economic hardship as a major concern affecting Nigerians across the country, arguing that the challenges faced by citizens were not limited to any particular region.
“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 added.
Shaibu also insisted that Atiku’s political appeal extended beyond northern Nigeria, expressing confidence that the former vice-president could attract support from voters across the country.
“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 said.
Asked about the southern states where Atiku expected to secure victories, Shaibu expressed strong confidence in the candidate’s nationwide prospects.
“I will not just be bold, I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he declared.
The ADC campaign council’s position contrasts with President Bola Tinubu’s stated decision to limit his personal participation in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the need to balance electioneering with governance.
Speaking during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, Tinubu said he would not accompany the campaign team to every state because of the demands of running the country.
“You’ve warned me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance, I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now,” the President said.
Tinubu also pointed to the country’s financial obligations and the need to attract investors as reasons for limiting his participation in campaign activities.
“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” he added.
According to a campaign timetable, Tinubu was scheduled to attend rallies in 12 states, beginning in Kaduna on October 24 and ending in Lagos on January 9, 2027.
