The African Democratic Congress has said its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will campaign across all 36 states of the federation ahead of the 2027 general election, promising to take his message beyond major cities to communities and local government areas.
The Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, dismissing suggestions that Atiku’s campaign would concentrate mainly on northern Nigeria.
Shaibu said the campaign timetable would be released soon, insisting that no state would be left out of the former vice-president’s nationwide engagements.
“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 not be restricted to rallies in state capitals, noting that Atiku also intended to engage residents through town hall meetings, community visits and interactions in local government areas and villages.
According to Shaibu, the strategy is designed to give the former vice-president an opportunity to hear directly from Nigerians, particularly those grappling with the country’s economic challenges.
“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,” he said.
Shaibu argued that the hardship confronting Nigerians cuts across regional boundaries, adding that economic conditions would be a major issue in the coming election.
“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 said.
He maintained that Atiku’s appeal extended beyond northern Nigeria and expressed confidence that the former vice-president could secure support 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,” Shaibu added.
When asked about the southern states the ADC candidate expected to win, the campaign council spokesman expressed confidence in Atiku’s nationwide prospects.
“I will not just be bold, I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he said.
Tinubu limits campaign appearances to 12 states
Shaibu’s remarks come against the backdrop of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to limit his personal participation in the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the need to balance electioneering with the responsibilities of governing the country.
Tinubu announced his position on October 14 while inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, saying he agreed that campaign activities should not distract him from governance.
“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 pointed to the country’s financial obligations and the need to attract investors as reasons for not accompanying the campaign team to every state.
“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” he added.
A campaign timetable reported by PUNCH indicated that Tinubu was scheduled to attend rallies in 12 states, starting in Kaduna on October 24 and ending in Lagos on January 9, 2027.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the competing campaign approaches highlight how political parties are preparing to reach voters nationwide, while balancing public engagements with other responsibilities.
The ADC has yet to release the full campaign timetable, but Shaibu said it would show how Atiku plans to reach voters across the federation.