Atiku returns to Nigeria from overseas trip, set to lead ADC campaign across all 36 states

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has returned to Nigeria following a brief business trip abroad as his political camp prepares to begin nationwide campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, who is identified in the supplied report as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), returned amid growing confidence within the party’s campaign team that he can secure support across the country.

Days before his return, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, declared that the party would take its campaign to all 36 states, insisting that no part of the country would be left out.

Shaibu made the statement during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, adding that the campaign council would soon unveil its timetable.

“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.

According to Shaibu, the campaign would extend beyond rallies in state capitals to include town hall meetings, community visits and engagements with residents in local government areas and villages.

He said the strategy was designed to give Atiku the opportunity to interact directly with Nigerians, hear their concerns and understand the challenges confronting different communities.

The ADC spokesman also argued that the economic hardship affecting Nigerians cuts across regional boundaries, insisting that the cost-of-living crisis could influence voting decisions in the 2027 election.

“The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise,” Shaibu said.

He rejected suggestions that Atiku’s political appeal was limited to northern Nigeria, expressing confidence that the former vice-president could win support across the federation.

“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 added.

When asked which southern states the ADC expected to win, Shaibu went further, declaring: “I will not just be bold; I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country.”

The campaign council’s confidence contrasts with President Bola Tinubu’s announcement that he would limit his personal appearances at APC presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the need to balance campaigning with his responsibilities as president.

Tinubu made the announcement on October 14 while inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja. He said governing the country required significant attention and that campaign activities should not distract him from his duties.

“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.

He also referred to the country’s financial obligations, adding: “So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu has continued to defend his administration’s record as he seeks re-election in 2027.

Speaking at the APC presidential campaign flag-off rally at Ranchers Bees Stadium, also known as Kaduna Township Stadium, the president blamed opposition politicians, including Atiku and Peter Obi, for the hunger and poverty affecting Nigerians.

“I have an argument. I hear my opponent talking about hunger, poverty. Who created it? They did! They created the hunger, they created the poverty. We are trying to eradicate it,” Tinubu said.

The president also defended his administration’s record on salary payments, praised state governors for their performance and urged Nigerians to give him another term to continue his agenda of prosperity, continuity, progress and development.

With the 2027 election approaching, the competing claims from the ADC and APC highlight the emerging political contest over the economy, insecurity, governance and which party can convince voters that it offers the answers to Nigeria’s challenges.

Do you think Atiku can secure support across all 36 states in 2027, as the ADC campaign council has predicted, or will regional political dynamics shape the outcome?

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