Sokoto Rally: ADC Claims Crowd At Campaign Flag-Off Shows Nigerians’ Rejection Of APC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has claimed that the crowd that received its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Sokoto on Wednesday was a clear indication of growing public dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Tinubu and support for the ADC.

In a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication, ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Wednesday, the council said the massive turnout at the party’s campaign flag-off reflected Nigerians’ frustration with the rising cost of living and their desire for a government capable of making life affordable again.

The ADC campaign train was flagged off in Sokoto amid an enthusiastic reception, with thousands of supporters reportedly lining the route from Sultan Muhammad III International Airport to the party’s state secretariat.

According to the council, Atiku’s motorcade took approximately three and a half hours to reach the rally venue due to the large crowd of supporters who came out to welcome and accompany him.

Men, women, youths, elderly citizens and mothers were among those who reportedly thronged the streets, while activities in several parts of the city came to a standstill as residents abandoned their daily engagements to join the procession and attend the rally.

The campaign council maintained that the turnout was spontaneous and not driven by financial inducements, arguing that it reflected the genuine frustrations of Nigerians grappling with rising food prices, transportation costs, fuel prices and other essential expenses.

It also alleged that attempts were made to frustrate the rally, claiming that the Sokoto State Government denied the ADC access to public facilities requested for the campaign flag-off.

The council said the alleged restrictions and obstacles placed before the party failed to discourage supporters, insisting that the developments instead strengthened public resentment and encouraged more people to participate.

It added that denying political parties access to public venues would not suppress citizens’ political choices or prevent them from expressing their support for candidates of their choice.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Atiku reportedly reiterated his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis and restoring economic hope to households and businesses.

A major component of his proposed economic agenda is a targeted, production-based subsidy for qualifying petroleum products refined locally in Nigeria.

According to the ADC campaign council, the proposal is designed to support domestic refining and reduce fuel costs, with the anticipated effect of easing transportation and energy expenses and ultimately reducing pressure on food prices and household budgets.

The council said the ADC’s message was centred on making life more affordable, encouraging local production and providing responsive leadership capable of addressing the everyday economic challenges facing Nigerians.

“When you have a message that connects with the people, you do not need to rent a crowd. The people show up on their own,” the statement said.