Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar arrived in Sokoto on Wednesday to a rowdy reception, with videos shared online capturing supporters chanting “Tinubu must go” as he landed for the African Democratic Congress presidential campaign flag-off.
The chants video shared on X, showing a crowd of supporters welcoming the ADC presidential candidate ahead of the party’s campaign launch in the state .
Atiku arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport at about 1pm, later than the 9am scheduled arrival, and was received by his running mate Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former minister Abubakar Malami, and other party leaders .
His arrival caused heavy traffic gridlock at Sokoto entry points and around the Sokoto Arch as supporters trooped out to receive him .
The rally was scheduled for 5pm at the party’s state secretariat on Ilorin Road .
The flag-off came amid heightened political tension, with the ADC accusing security agencies and the state government of trying to frustrate the event.
At an emergency press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that the Department of State Services was recruiting protesters to create disorder and provide a pretext for imposing a curfew to stop the rally .
“We know where some of these protesters are assembled: an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road. Trucks are stationed there and dispatched to key points, including the roundabout,” Atiku said .
He also accused the Tinubu administration of devoting more energy to weakening opposition than solving Nigeria’s economic problems.
“For three and a half years, the Tinubu administration has devoted too much energy to weakening credible opposition and too little to solving the problems facing Nigerians,” he said .
The ADC had also alleged that its campaign office along Ahmadu Bello Way was sealed by the state government, and that hotels were pressured to cancel accommodation for visiting delegates .
The Sokoto State Police Command said it had received a request for security coverage and was prepared to provide protection for the event .
Despite the tensions, supporters gathered in large numbers at the ADC secretariat and adjoining roads leading to the venue.
One supporter, Abubakar Yusuf, told PUNCH that alleged intimidation would not discourage them from attending the event.
“They mobilised the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard Corps to block roads leading to the town, but we overwhelmed them,” he said .
The rally is seen as a major test of the ADC’s grassroots mobilisation capacity as the party seeks to expand its political footprint ahead of the 2027 general elections
