NIGERIA: Atiku Arrives in Sokoto for ADC Campaign Flag-Off

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has arrived in Sokoto State ahead of the presidential campaign flag-off of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scheduled to hold at the party's state secretariat along Ilorin Road.

Atiku arrived at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport at about 1pm on Wednesday, accompanied by members of his campaign team.

He was welcomed by his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister and Kebbi State governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami; Manir Dan'Iya; and other party leaders.

Thousands of ADC supporters also gathered at the party's secretariat and adjoining roads to welcome the former Vice-President ahead of the campaign event.

Some supporters said they remained determined to attend the rally despite alleged attempts to restrict movement around the venue.

Speaking with our correspondent, a supporter, Abubakar Yusuf, alleged that the state government had deployed personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps to block roads leading into the town.

“They mobilised the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guard Corps to block roads leading to the town, but we overwhelmed them,” Yusuf said.

He added that the alleged restrictions would not discourage party members from participating in the campaign flag-off.

The event is expected to mark the commencement of the ADC's presidential campaign activities in Sokoto State as the party prepares for the forthcoming political contest.