The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has declared that its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is prepared to campaign across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2027 general election.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the opposition campaign council made the declaration while criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reports concerning his proposed nationwide campaign activities ahead of the next presidential election.
The council described the reported position attributed to Tinubu as an act of arrogance and an insult to Nigerians, arguing that a president seeking re-election should be willing to visit voters, explain his administration’s performance and present his plans for another term.
The Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC-PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated the position while receiving a delegation of youths under the aegis of Young Voters for Atiku (YVA).
According to Ologbondiyan, Atiku is ready to travel across the country to engage Nigerians directly and explain how he intends to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
ADC Accuses Tinubu of Showing Contempt for Nigerians
Ologbondiyan accused Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of showing contempt for Nigerians, questioning why a presidential candidate seeking another term would reportedly be unwilling to campaign across the country.
“What President Tinubu has done is a clear act of contempt against the Nigerian people. The APC is known for its contempt for Nigerians,” he said.
The ADC-PCC spokesman argued that presidential candidates should be prepared to meet voters and defend their records rather than rely on campaign activities that limit direct engagement with the electorate.
He also dismissed suggestions that official responsibilities could prevent Tinubu from participating in nationwide campaign activities.
Ologbondiyan cited former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as former United States presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as examples of political figures who campaigned while holding or seeking political office.
“Saying that he (Tinubu) will be attending to official assignments is untrue, fake, deceitful and insincere. Didn’t former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari attend to official duties while campaigning for their return tickets? Didn’t Donald Trump campaign? Didn’t Kamala Harris campaign? Why is Tinubu’s case different?” he queried.
The comments reflect the ADC campaign council’s position on the reported campaign arrangements. Tinubu’s actual participation in campaign events should be assessed against the published schedule and any subsequent official announcements.
Atiku Promises to Address Economic Hardship and Insecurity
Ologbondiyan maintained that Atiku possesses the physical energy, mental alertness and political experience required to engage voters throughout the country.
He argued that the reported controversy over Tinubu’s campaign activities could create an opportunity for the ADC to strengthen its nationwide outreach and present its candidate as an alternative to the ruling party.
The ADC-PCC director also questioned Tinubu’s bid for another term, insisting that a president seeking re-election should be prepared to face Nigerians and explain his administration’s record.
“President Tinubu has taken Nigerian for a joke and should not seek re-election. A president who is afraid to face his own people has no business asking for their votes,” Ologbondiyan declared.
He further alleged that public dissatisfaction over hunger, poverty, insecurity and the state of the economy could explain the reported reluctance to campaign nationwide.
However, these claims about Tinubu’s motives were allegations made by the opposition campaign council and were not independently established by the statement.
ADC Urges Youths to Reject APC in 2027
The campaign council also called on young Nigerians and other eligible voters to reject the APC in the 2027 general election.
Ologbondiyan argued that another term for the ruling party would prolong the economic and security difficulties confronting many citizens.
“I appeal to every young Nigerian to reject them. Let us collectively reject hunger, reject poverty, reject hardship and reject insecurity. The APC has brought only pain to Nigerians. It is time to say enough is enough,” he said.
The appeal forms part of the ADC’s efforts to mobilise young voters and other Nigerians ahead of the next general election.
With the 2027 presidential contest approaching, economic conditions, insecurity, employment opportunities and the cost of living are expected to remain important issues in political campaigns.
Atiku Promises Fuel Subsidy Restoration and Economic Recovery
Ologbondiyan said an Atiku-led administration would prioritise economic recovery, wealth creation, national security and improvements in living standards.
He specifically stated that Atiku would restore fuel subsidy to reduce the cost of petroleum products, tackle hunger, create wealth and work towards rebuilding the Nigerian economy.
“Atiku Abubakar will bring back subsidy to reduce cost of petroleum products, create wealth, end hunger in our land, secure our nation and restore our battered economy,” he said.
The spokesman added that the ADC presidential candidate had the experience and capacity to lead the country out of its current difficulties.
The proposed restoration of fuel subsidy is a campaign pledge attributed to Atiku’s team. Its potential fiscal implications and effects on petrol prices would depend on the details of any policy implemented if he wins the election.
APC Outlines Proposed Nationwide Campaign Schedule
Meanwhile, the APC has outlined a proposed nationwide campaign itinerary ahead of the 2027 general election, with activities expected to cover the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the proposed schedule, the campaign is expected to begin in Kaduna on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos on January 9, 2027.
The itinerary identifies strategic locations where Tinubu is expected to participate in presidential campaign activities.
The proposed locations include Kaduna, Kano and Sokoto in the North-West; Bauchi and Gombe in the North-East; Benue and Kogi in the North-Central; Enugu and Anambra in the South-East; Delta and Rivers in the South-South; and Lagos in the South-West.
The proposed itinerary indicates plans for campaign activities across the federation, although the extent of Tinubu’s personal participation in rallies in every state would depend on the final arrangements.
As political parties prepare for the 2027 general election, the ADC’s nationwide campaign pledge and the APC’s proposed itinerary are likely to keep attention on how presidential candidates intend to engage voters across Nigeria.
For Atiku and the ADC, the immediate challenge will be turning their campaign promises into a compelling message on the economy, security and the cost of living. For the ruling APC, its campaign activities will provide an opportunity to present its record and plans to the electorate.