Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has outlined plans to tackle economic hardship, insecurity and falling living standards if elected president in 2027.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), announced the proposed measures at the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on Wednesday.
He promised to reopen Nigeria’s land borders to boost trade with neighbouring African countries, address insecurity and reduce pilgrimage costs for Muslim and Christian faithful.
“I will reopen the country’s land borders to allow trade with our sister countries, confront worsening insecurity and reduce pilgrimage fares for Muslim and Christian faithful if elected president in 2027,” he pledged.
The former vice-president said reopening the borders would create opportunities for farmers, traders, transporters and other business operators. He added that the move would strengthen Nigeria’s commercial ties with neighbouring countries.
Atiku also promised to review and restore the petroleum subsidy to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices. He said the policy would help lower transport costs and ease the burden of expensive goods on households.
He said his proposed policies would focus on public welfare, boost economic activities, create jobs and improve household incomes.
The ADC candidate urged Nigerians to support the party in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that it could offer the leadership and policies needed to address the country’s challenges.
Earlier, ADC National Chairman David Mark said the party was gaining acceptance in Sokoto State. He pointed to the large crowd that welcomed its leaders from Sultan Abubakar III International Airport through the streets of Sokoto.
Mark urged members and supporters to maintain the momentum and turn the enthusiasm into electoral victories.
The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Manir Dan’iya, also assured Atiku of strong support from the state. He said the party would mobilise its grassroots structures, supporters and political stakeholders to secure votes for Atiku and other ADC candidates.
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, said Nigeria needed a change in leadership to address its security and economic problems. He urged Nigerians to support the ADC, describing the 2027 elections as an opportunity to change the country’s political direction.
