There was heightened political activity in Sokoto State on Wednesday as supporters of the African Democratic Congress welcomed the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, with chants of “Tinubu Must Go” ahead of the party’s presidential campaign flag-off.
Atiku arrived in the state for the campaign event, which is being held under the theme Northern Hurricane.
A video circulating on social media showed hundreds of supporters gathered along the roads as the former vice president’s convoy made its way into Sokoto. The enthusiastic crowd waved ADC flags and campaign posters while chanting, “Tinubu Must Go, Atiku is Coming.”
The campaign rally comes against the backdrop of allegations by Atiku that the Department of State Services (DSS) was planning to disrupt the event through sponsored protests, potentially creating circumstances that could prompt the Sokoto State Government, controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), to impose a curfew.
Speaking at an emergency press conference in Abuja on Tuesday night, Atiku maintained that alleged attempts to frustrate the rally would not deter him from meeting supporters in the state.
“I will be in Sokoto tomorrow, God willing, to address the good people of the state,” Atiku declared.
He further alleged that access to some public facilities had been obstructed, while trucks were positioned behind Zenith Bank along Koko Road in Sokoto as part of an alleged plan to transport protesters and cause traffic congestion.
However, the DSS rejected Atiku’s allegations, describing the claims as unfounded. The security agency disclosed that its Director-General had directed an investigation into the matter.
In its response, the DSS also recalled an incident on October 31, when its operatives reportedly rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, following an attack. According to the agency, two of its personnel sustained injuries during the incident.
Despite the controversy surrounding the planned gathering and the exchange of allegations between the parties, ADC supporters came out in large numbers to receive Atiku on Wednesday.
The crowd’s chants and display of party insignia underscored the political atmosphere surrounding the campaign launch, with supporters expressing their desire for a change of government ahead of the 2027 general election.
