Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly buying voters’ cards in villages across northern Nigeria to manipulate the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegation on Wednesday in Sokoto during the flag-off of the ADC presidential campaign, where he urged Nigerians to vote in large numbers and protect their ballots.
Atiku and his entourage arrived in Sokoto at about 1pm but did not reach the ADC State Secretariat, the rally venue, until around 4:30pm due to the large crowd that gathered to welcome them.
Warning against voter apathy, the former Vice-President alleged that low turnout could allow those buying voters’ cards to manipulate the process and create the impression that the opposition had less support in the North.
He said: “Let us come out and vote as if it were Judgment Day. Come out in large numbers, protect your votes and escort them until they are secured.
“If you fail to turn out in large numbers, people will go from village to village buying voters’ cards to create the impression that we do not have as many supporters as those in the South. Go out and cast your vote, and protect it,” he said.
Atiku explained that Sokoto was chosen for the campaign flag-off because of its historical and religious significance, describing the state as a centre of peace and peaceful coexistence.
“They said we would not come to Sokoto, but here we are. They said we would not hold the campaign rally, but we have come.
“I follow history, and I also believe in peaceful coexistence. Sokoto is a centre of peace, and people of all faiths understand the importance of Sokoto to Nigeria. That is why we decided to launch our campaign in Sokoto,” he said.
The ADC candidate promised that an administration led by the party would tackle insecurity, reopen Nigeria’s land borders and make Hajj and Christian pilgrimages more affordable.
He also expressed sympathy with families of victims killed in attacks across the country.
Atiku urged Nigerians to mobilise their families and vote for the ADC, describing participation in the electoral process as a civic responsibility and paramount duty.
Earlier, the Sokoto State Coordinator of the ADC campaign, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, described the state as a one-party state, claiming that the ADC enjoyed overwhelming support.
He urged supporters to mobilise voters and cast their ballots for all ADC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
