Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken his African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign to Bauchi and Yobe states, attracting large crowds of supporters and renewing his promises to tackle economic hardship, insecurity and rising living costs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku’s campaign tour of the North-East began in Bauchi on Saturday, November 14, 2026, where thousands of supporters reportedly lined major roads to welcome his convoy before he addressed a large gathering at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.
The former vice president used the rally to outline some of the policies he intends to pursue if elected president, promising to restore petroleum and electricity subsidies, strengthen national security and improve the country’s economic conditions.
He told supporters that his proposed administration would prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly families and businesses struggling with high transportation costs, expensive electricity and the rising cost of basic necessities.
Atiku also promised to restore security across the North-East and other parts of the country, saying his government would take stronger action against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
On economic development, he pledged to revive petroleum exploration at the Kolmani oil field, which is located along the Bauchi and Gombe state boundary.
He said developing the oil field would provide additional revenue for Nigeria and create opportunities for economic growth and development in the North-East.
The ADC presidential candidate also appealed to Bauchi residents to support the party at every level of the 2027 elections, from the presidential contest to the National Assembly, state assembly and local government elections.
He urged voters to protect their votes by remaining at polling units until ballots had been counted and election results transmitted.
Atiku praised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for allowing the ADC campaign to use the state stadium and government facilities despite their political differences.
He described the governor’s action as an example of democratic tolerance, noting that his campaign had encountered restrictions in some other states.
The former vice president also described Bauchi as his political home in the North-East, recalling the strong electoral support he had received from the state in previous presidential elections.
He thanked residents for their loyalty and promised not to take their support for granted.
Several prominent political figures attended the Bauchi rally, including Atiku’s running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman David Mark, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Senator Nazi Gamawa and the party’s Bauchi governorship candidate, Senator Halliru Dauda Jika.
Former presidential aide Naja’atu Mohammed and members of opposition movements were also among those reported at the gathering.
Following the Bauchi rally, Atiku’s campaign team embarked on a road journey towards Azare, stopping in Soro, Kari, Darazo and Misau, where residents reportedly gathered along the roads to welcome the campaign convoy.
During the journey, Atiku paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, where he thanked the traditional ruler and his council for their reception and encouragement.
He later arrived in Azare at about 10:30 p.m. and visited the Emir of Katagum, extending his consultations with traditional institutions and community leaders.
ATIKU TAKES CAMPAIGN TO YOBE
On Sunday, November 15, Atiku moved his campaign train to Yobe State, where his arrival in Potiskum attracted another large gathering of supporters.
Thousands of men, women and youths reportedly lined the streets as the ADC campaign convoy moved through the town.
Supporters were seen waving party flags, carrying campaign banners and posters, while others walked alongside the campaign vehicles, chanting slogans in support of Atiku’s presidential ambition.
The campaign truck carried the inscriptions Dokaji 2027 and A Wajen Allah Muke Nema as supporters joined the procession.
Security personnel were also seen escorting the convoy as vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles moved alongside the campaign team.
Reports indicated that the ADC had been unable to secure its preferred rally venue in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, forcing the campaign to hold its gathering in Potiskum instead. However, the claim had not been independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
The Yobe outing came amid a legal challenge to Atiku’s ADC candidacy. A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier nullified the processes that produced the party’s national leadership and Atiku’s emergence as its presidential candidate.
The ADC rejected the judgment and indicated that it would challenge the decision through the appeal process.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Atiku continued his campaign activities, using the large turnouts in Bauchi and Potiskum to demonstrate the party’s mobilisation efforts in the North-East.
The two state visits form part of the ADC’s wider effort to strengthen its grassroots presence and build support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
With economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity remaining major concerns for many Nigerians, Atiku’s campaign is placing renewed emphasis on affordable living, energy support, security and economic development.
