VIDEO: Atiku Returns to Nigeria From Overseas

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has returned to Nigeria after a short business trip abroad.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, returned to the country amid preparations by his campaign team to begin nationwide activities ahead of the presidential election.

His return comes days after the ADC Presidential Campaign Council expressed confidence that the former vice-president would win across the country in 2027, insisting that his campaign would reach all 36 states of the federation.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, made the declaration during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday.

Shaibu disclosed that the campaign council would soon release its timetable, assuring Nigerians that no state would be excluded from Atiku’s campaign activities.

“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 the campaign spokesman, Atiku’s campaign would go beyond rallies in state capitals to include town hall meetings, community visits and engagements with residents in local government areas and villages.

He explained that the approach would enable the former vice-president to interact directly with Nigerians, listen to their concerns and understand the challenges facing different communities.

Shaibu argued that the economic hardship affecting Nigerians had created similar challenges across the country, regardless of geographical location.

“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.

The ADC campaign spokesman maintained that the economic situation in the country would influence voters’ decisions in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living would support Atiku.

“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,” Shaibu stated.

He further rejected the suggestion that Atiku’s electoral appeal was limited to northern Nigeria, insisting that the party would seek votes 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 Atiku to win, Shaibu expressed confidence in the former vice-president’s chances nationwide.

“I will not just be bold; I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country,” he declared.

The ADC’s position contrasts with President Bola Tinubu’s decision to limit his personal appearances at All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the demands of governance.

Tinubu announced the decision on October 14 while inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, explaining that his responsibilities as president would require him to devote significant attention to governing the country.

“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 cited the country’s financial obligations as one of the reasons he would not attend every campaign rally.

“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” Tinubu added.

Meanwhile, the president has continued to defend his administration’s performance 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, on Saturday, Tinubu blamed opposition politicians, including Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate 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,” he said.

Tinubu also defended his administration’s record on salary payments and commended state governors for their performance.

“We pay salaries regularly. Our governors are working. I am proud of them. They are developing,” he stated.

The president subsequently appealed to Nigerians to give him another term, saying he wanted to sustain his promises of prosperity, continuity, progress and development.