Atiku Plans to Campaign in All 36 States for 2027 Election

The Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, has announced that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar will campaign in all 36 states of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Shaibu’s comments come after President Bola Tinubu said he would limit his personal involvement in All Progressives Congress campaign rallies to just 12 states. He mentioned the need to balance election activities with governance.

In an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Shaibu addressed worries that Atiku’s campaign might mainly focus on northern Nigeria. He said the campaign schedule would be shared soon, assuring that no state would be left out of the former vice-president’s plans to engage with voters.

"We are going to release our schedule in a few days. Or in a few hours. And you will see for yourself. You will be able to interrogate for yourself. That look, Atiku Abubakar, no state will be left out," he said.

Shaibu explained that Atiku’s campaign would go beyond rallies in state capitals. It would involve town hall meetings, community interactions, and visits to local government areas and villages.

"We are not going to limit our campaign to just state capitals or just rallies. Atiku is already connected with the people. The people are hungry. People are dying. Do you understand? He needs to connect with them. He needs to listen to them," he said.

He added that the campaign would give Atiku a chance to talk directly with Nigerians and hear their issues. Shaibu noted that economic hardship is a problem across the country that could influence voters, no matter where they are from.

"As for the pathway, I’ll tell you. Our pathway is clear and simple. The man who is hungry in Zamfara is the same as the man who is hungry in Lagos. Forget the noise," he said.

Shaibu insisted that Atiku’s appeal is not limited to the North. He believes that Nigerians facing economic challenges will support Atiku.

"Hungry Nigerians will vote for Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s pathway is not limited to Northern Nigeria. Atiku’s pathway is across the length and breadth of Nigeria," he said.

When asked which southern states Atiku expects to win, Shaibu showed confidence in the candidate’s chances nationwide.

"I will not just be bold, I will be audacious about it. Atiku will win the entire country," he said.

Meanwhile, during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on October 14, Tinubu said he would not go with the campaign team to every state. He emphasized that the country still needed his focus.

"You’ve warned me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance, I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now," the President said.

He also mentioned the country’s financial responsibilities and the need to attract investors as reasons for limiting his campaign participation.

According to a campaign schedule reported by PUNCH, Tinubu is set to attend rallies in 12 states, starting with Kaduna on October 24 and ending with Lagos on January 9, 2027.

The 2027 presidential election will see various political parties campaigning across the country as they aim to rally voters ahead of the election.