Atiku promises fuel subsidy return, open borders at Sokoto campaign launch

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), launched his 2027 campaign in Sokoto on Wednesday with a promise to bring back petrol subsidy, reopen Nigeria's land borders and tackle insecurity if he wins.

Speaking at the flag-off, the former Vice-President said his government would focus on security, reviving the economy and cross-border trade, especially in Northern Nigeria where many communities live off business with neighbouring countries.

"I will open all the land borders for our people to do legitimate business with our brothers across the border," Atiku said, according to reports from the rally. He also said he would "restore subsidy back into our fuel" and work to end insecurity so that farmers can return to their farms.

The promise matters to ordinary Nigerians because petrol prices and transport costs have stayed high since the subsidy was removed in May 2023, and border closures have hurt traders in the north.

What the ticket is saying

ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark said the crowd that welcomed the delegation showed Sokoto was ready for change. He said the convoy took more than three hours to cover less than 10 kilometres from the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport to the venue because of the number of supporters on the road.

Mark presented the party's flag to its Sokoto governorship candidate, Muhammad Manir Dan'Iya.

Atiku's running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, said the 2027 election should be decided on the cost of living rather than religion or ethnicity. "Today, there is no religion in our politics; there is no ethnicity. It is about the cost of living," he said.

Former Sokoto governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to tackle insecurity, poverty and hunger. He urged voters to choose leadership over party or regional loyalty.

Atiku also asked supporters to vote in large numbers and protect their ballots, saying the party would not allow a repeat of what he called manipulation in the last elections. He alleged that the ruling party in Sokoto opposed the rally; the APC has not responded to that claim in these reports.

Questions over the subsidy promise

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has challenged Atiku to explain how he would fund and implement a return of the subsidy, according to Punch. The Federal Government has also disputed his claim that the borders are closed, saying several major land borders have been reopened for trade.

Atiku has made the subsidy promise before, alongside a plan for targeted support for locally refined petroleum products.

What happens next: The ADC campaign will move to other states as parties build towards the 2027 general elections, with the subsidy and border promises likely to face more scrutiny from the ruling party.