From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto & Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Ahead of the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scheduled for May 25 and 26, the Sokoto and Yobe State chapters of the party have unanimously adopted and endorsed former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as their sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The twin endorsements from the frontline northern states provide a significant boost to the former Vice-President’s bid to clinch the opposition party’s ticket.
In Sokoto, the decision was made public during a press briefing held on Sunday by key party stakeholders.
Addressing journalists, the former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of the state, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, explained that the declaration represents a unified positioning of the state’s party organs ahead of Monday’s national primary.
He said: “This press conference was convened to convey the consensus agreement reached by the people of Sokoto State and the ADC to adopt His Excellency, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa.
“This is sequel to the build-up for the forthcoming presidential primaries of the party as well as the 2027 general elections.”
The high-powered briefing was well-attended by top tier political heavyweights and chieftains of the ADC in Sokoto State, including the former Information Commissioner, Alhaji Dahiru Maishanu; former Head of Service, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad; and the state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu, among several others.
Simultaneously, the critical stakeholders of the Yobe State chapter of the ADC reached an identical resolution following extensive local consultations across the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party leadership by the Yobe State Chairman, Alhaji Umar Kalli, the chapter affirmed that its endorsement followed a rigorous and careful assessment of all presidential aspirants vying for the ticket.
The Yobe stakeholders highlighted that Atiku Abubakar was chosen based on his “proven track record of public service, national political spread, competence, and leadership experience.”
The Yobe ADC leadership outlined the core metrics used by party stakeholders to evaluate the aspirants before arriving at the consensus.
