BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly moving from village to village across northern Nigeria to buy voters’ cards, warning that the opposition could lose political ground if its supporters fail to participate massively in the forthcoming elections.

Atiku made the allegation on Wednesday in Sokoto while addressing supporters during the flag-off of the ADC presidential campaign, where he urged party members and Nigerians to turn out in large numbers, vote and ensure their votes are protected.

He warned that a poor turnout among opposition supporters could create room for alleged electoral manipulation and allow those involved in buying voters’ cards to project a false impression that the ADC and other opposition parties have limited support in the North.

The former Vice-President called on supporters to treat the election as a decisive moment, stressing that casting their ballots would not be enough without ensuring that the votes were properly protected.

"Let us come out and vote as if it were Judgment Day. Come out in large numbers, protect your votes and escort them until they are secured," he said.

He further alleged that individuals were visiting rural communities to purchase voters' cards and urged supporters not to allow such activities to undermine their political strength.

"Go out and cast your vote, and protect it," Atiku told the gathering.

Explaining why Sokoto was selected for the campaign launch, Atiku highlighted the state's historical and religious importance, describing it as a symbol of peace and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.

He dismissed suggestions that the ADC would not hold its campaign rally in the state, saying the party had deliberately chosen Sokoto because of its place in Nigeria's history and its significance to peaceful coexistence.

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"They said we would not come to Sokoto, but here we are. They said we would not hold the campaign rally, but we have come," he said.

Atiku also outlined some of the priorities of an ADC-led government, promising to address insecurity, reopen the country's land borders and make religious pilgrimages, including Hajj and Christian pilgrimages, more affordable for Nigerians.

He also expressed sympathy with families who had lost loved ones in attacks across the country, offering condolences to victims of the persistent security challenges.

The ADC presidential candidate urged Nigerians to participate actively in the elections, calling on supporters to mobilise their families and vote for the party, describing electoral participation as a fundamental civic responsibility.

Earlier, the ADC campaign coordinator in Sokoto State, Senator Ibrahim Lamido, described the state as a one-party stronghold, claiming that the ADC enjoyed overwhelming support among residents.

He urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and ensure victory for all ADC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Atiku and his entourage arrived in Sokoto at about 1 p.m., but did not reach the party's state secretariat, where the rally was scheduled to hold, until approximately 4:30 p.m., following a large turnout of supporters who came out to welcome them.