The growing political momentum around the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has received fresh attention following the massive receptions that greeted his recent visits to Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The gatherings, according to supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, went beyond routine political receptions, reflecting growing enthusiasm, mobilisation and renewed interest in the 2027 presidential contest.
The former National Youth Leader of the ADC and a lawyer, Maurice Ebam, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said that the size of the crowds and the energy witnessed on the streets have generated significant discussions, particularly on social media, where pictures and videos from the visits have continued to circulate.
For supporters of Atiku, the scenes in Sokoto and Kebbi represent an indication of a broader political movement that they believe could extend beyond the northern region to other parts of the country as the 2027 elections approach.
They claim that more than 28.6 million Nigerians are prepared to support Atiku, campaign for him and participate actively in efforts to protect their votes during the election.
The growing demand for political alternatives, they argue, is being driven by concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, declining purchasing power and dissatisfaction with governance.
Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria who served from 1999 to 2007, according to Ebam, is a veteran of the country’s political landscape. His supporters point to his extensive experience in government and his longstanding advocacy for economic reforms and restructuring as key elements of his presidential campaign.
With the 2027 election approaching, they contend that Atiku’s candidacy under the ADC provides an opportunity for Nigerians seeking a strong opposition platform to make a choice on the direction of the country.
The supporters further argue that a well-organised opposition is essential to democratic accountability, particularly in scrutinising government policies, challenging alleged abuses of power and providing voters with credible alternatives at the polls.
For the 28.6 million supporters they claim to represent, the task ahead is therefore not merely to mobilise voters but to build a nationwide political structure capable of reaching communities, educating voters and encouraging peaceful participation in the electoral process.
They insist that political complacency must give way to greater vigilance, organisation and commitment to democratic principles.
The supporters also warned against any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process, stressing that Nigerians have a constitutional right to participate in credible elections, protect their votes and demand that the outcome reflects the genuine will of the electorate. They, however, emphasised that such vigilance must remain peaceful and within the framework of the law.
According to them, the momentum witnessed in Sokoto and Kebbi will be translated into grassroots mobilisation, issue-based campaigns, youth participation, voter education and peaceful electoral engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.
From Sokoto to Kebbi, and from the North to the South, the emerging political contest, they said, should ultimately be about the Nigerian people, their welfare, freedom and constitutional right to choose their leaders.
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