The African Democratic Congress has said its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will campaign in all 36 states ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his political appeal extends beyond northern Nigeria.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed this during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, saying the former vice-president would engage voters across the country.

Shaibu said the campaign timetable would be released soon, adding that no state would be excluded from Atiku’s planned visits.

“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.

He explained that the campaign would go beyond rallies in state capitals to include town hall meetings, visits to local communities and engagements in local government areas and villages.

According to him, the approach would enable Atiku to interact directly with Nigerians and listen to their concerns, particularly over the rising cost of living and other economic difficulties.

Shaibu argued that hardship was affecting Nigerians across the country, regardless of their location, and said this would be central to the ADC’s campaign message.

“The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise,” he said.

The campaign council spokesman dismissed suggestions that Atiku’s support base was concentrated in the North, expressing confidence that the former vice-president could attract votes from 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,” Shaibu said.

Asked about the southern states the ADC candidate expected to win, he expressed confidence in Atiku’s chances nationwide.

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

Tinubu to attend rallies in 12 states

The ADC’s announcement contrasts with President Bola Tinubu’s decision to limit his personal participation in the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rallies to 12 states, citing the need to balance campaign activities with governance.

Tinubu announced the decision on October 14 during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, saying the country required his attention amid pressing economic and financial responsibilities.

“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 referred to the country’s financial obligations and the need to attract investors as reasons for not joining the campaign team in every state.

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

A campaign timetable reported by PUNCH indicated that Tinubu was scheduled to attend rallies in 12 states, beginning with Kaduna on October 24 and ending in Lagos on January 9, 2027.

As political parties prepare for the 2027 election, Atiku’s proposed nationwide campaign is expected to provide opportunities for the ADC to present its message to voters across different regions. The party’s detailed campaign schedule is expected to clarify the timing and locations of the planned engagements.