Atiku Promises to Tackle Insecurity as ADC Launches 2027 Presidential Campaign in Sokoto
Former Nigerian vice-president declares that political obstacles will not stop his party's campaign, while accusing authorities of attempting to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the general election.
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
November 4, 2026
Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to confront the country’s worsening insecurity if elected president in 2027, declaring that no attempt to obstruct his political movement will prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from taking its campaign to Nigerians.
Atiku made the declaration on Wednesday, November 4, during the official flag-off of the ADC’s presidential campaign in Sokoto State, where he called on Nigerians to support the opposition party in the forthcoming general election.
The campaign event marked a major step in the ADC’s efforts to strengthen its national presence and mobilise supporters ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Addressing supporters, the former vice-president reaffirmed his commitment to addressing insecurity, recalling promises made during his previous presidential campaign and insisting that the protection of lives and property would remain a major priority under his proposed administration.
He also urged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers on election day and vote for the ADC, expressing confidence in the party’s political mission.
His declaration came amid heightened tensions between the opposition party and authorities in Sokoto, following allegations that efforts were being made to frustrate its campaign activities.
Atiku rejects alleged attempts to disrupt campaign
The Sokoto rally took place a day after Atiku accused the Sokoto State Government and security operatives of allegedly attempting to disrupt the ADC’s planned campaign activities.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, Atiku alleged that the party had been denied access to public facilities and logistical support needed to organise its rally.
He further accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of recruiting protesters to create disturbances in the state, allegedly with the intention of provoking a security situation that could lead to the imposition of a curfew.
Atiku described the alleged actions as deliberate attempts to undermine the opposition party’s right to campaign freely and deny it a level playing field ahead of the elections.
He maintained that the ADC would not abandon its campaign because of the alleged obstacles.
The former vice-president also urged residents of Sokoto to remain peaceful and called on security agencies to protect political participants, commuters and other members of the public without favoring any political party.
DSS rejects allegations and orders investigation
The DSS has rejected Atiku’s allegation that it was recruiting protesters to disrupt the ADC campaign.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said it was surprised by the accusation and maintained that its personnel had provided security protection to political actors across party lines.
The service also referred to an incident on October 31 involving Mannir Muhammad Dan’iya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto.
According to the DSS, its operatives intervened during an attack on Dan’iya, evacuated him to safety and sustained injuries in the process.
The agency said the candidate subsequently contacted the state director of the service to express appreciation for the intervention and request additional security support.
The DSS said its Director-General had directed an investigation into Atiku’s allegations.
The response introduces a significant disagreement between the opposition party and the security agency, with Atiku alleging political interference while the DSS maintains that its personnel have been protecting political actors.
The allegations of organised disruption have not been independently established.
ADC says nothing will stop its political activities
Despite the controversy, the ADC proceeded with its campaign flag-off in Sokoto.
The party had earlier announced that the event, initially scheduled for October 31, would be moved to November 4 to address planning and coordination issues.
The postponement came amid further allegations by the opposition party concerning restrictions on accommodation and access to facilities for delegates and supporters travelling to the state.
The ADC subsequently insisted that it would not be intimidated or prevented from carrying out its political activities.
Its leadership has repeatedly called on security agencies and public institutions to remain neutral and ensure that all political parties can organise lawful campaigns.
The Sokoto controversy has therefore become an early test of the political environment in which opposition parties will operate as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Atiku outlines economic promises
Beyond security, Atiku has also used his campaign messaging to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerian households.
In his November 3 address, he criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel and electricity.
He argued that many Nigerian families were struggling to meet basic needs, pay school fees and sustain their businesses.
Atiku promised that an ADC administration would prioritise local production, increase food supply, create employment opportunities and reduce the cost of doing business.
One of the proposals he highlighted was a targeted production subsidy linked to fuel refined in Nigeria.
He said the proposed measure would provide measurable relief to consumers while supporting domestic industries.
These remain campaign proposals and would require further policy details, funding arrangements and legislative or administrative action if the party were to form the next government.
A competitive political contest ahead of 2027
Atiku’s campaign launch comes as political parties and potential candidates intensify their preparations for Nigeria’s next general election.
The former vice-president, who previously served under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has remained a major figure in Nigerian opposition politics and has contested several presidential elections.
His decision to lead the ADC into the 2027 contest places the party at the centre of efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Tinubu.
The campaign is expected to focus on insecurity, economic hardship, employment, governance and the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
For the ADC, the immediate challenge will be to build a strong national campaign structure, mobilise voters across the country’s different regions and demonstrate that it can offer credible alternatives to the policies of the current administration.
The developments in Sokoto have also brought renewed attention to the responsibility of government institutions and security agencies to protect the rights of political parties and citizens during election campaigns.
As the 2027 election approaches, the ability of political actors to campaign peacefully, present competing policies and allow voters to make independent choices will remain central to Nigeria’s democratic process.
