Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, paused before sitting down at a campaign rally in Kebbi State and asked the large crowd three direct questions.
He asked if they wanted him to bring back the fuel subsidy. He asked if they wanted insecurity to become a thing of the past. He asked if they wanted a return to the days of productive farming so people could work their lands again without fear.
After listing those three options he asked what else they wanted. The crowd immediately shouted open the borders again and again. Atiku answered okay and told them they now had the chance to make their choice.
The moment came during the 2027 ADC presidential campaign as Atiku and his running mate Rotimi Amaechi continue rallies across the country.
The candidate has repeatedly pledged to restore the petrol subsidy, reopen land borders for legitimate trade with neighboring countries, and tackle insecurity so farmers can return to their fields.
Thousands of supporters have turned out at recent events including the Sokoto flag off earlier in the week, where the convoy from the airport took hours to reach the venue because of the size of the crowd lining the roads.
Atiku has said his plans focus on making life more affordable, boosting cross border commerce especially in the north, and restoring security nationwide.
His remarks highlighted key public concerns surrounding rising fuel prices, insecurity, agricultural productivity and border restrictions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of turning fuel subsidy removal into a political gamble that allows his cronies to make money while millions of Nigerians continue to suffer the consequences.
