Atiku launches campaign in Sokoto, Obi convoy attacked in Calabar, Tinubu seeks $7.7B loan
Atiku Abubakar held his ADC presidential campaign launch in Sokoto Wednesday at the party's Ilorin Road secretariat, after the state government sealed the original Ahmadu Bello Way venue citing security concerns. Atiku, accompanied by running mate Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former AGF Abubakar Malami, pledged to tackle insecurity, reopen land borders, and implement a production-based fuel subsidy using discounted crude for domestic refineries—though specific discount rates, volumes, and consumer price mechanisms remain unspecified. The campaign claims crowds delayed the motorcade 3.5 hours, framing turnout as rejection of Tinubu's economic policies.
In Calabar, Peter Obi's NDC convoy was attacked near Watt Market Roundabout around 2:20 PM Wednesday. Police arrested 27-year-old Victor Edet Yellow Duke; machete-wielding attackers damaged vehicle windscreens. Obi blamed APC supporters, but police have not established political affiliations or sponsorship. An earlier confrontation near the Metropolitan Hotel involved NDC and APC supporters. IGP Olatunji Disu has ordered nationwide investigation of political poster destruction.
President Tinubu withdrew a $20.5B/€1.05B borrowing request and submitted a $7.7B replacement for the 2026 budget, citing infrastructure, defence, agriculture, healthcare, power, and education. Atiku urged Senate rejection without project-level disclosure, allocations, and repayment terms. Senate committees on debts and appropriations will review.
Seyi Makinde (APM) unveiled his Reset Agenda manifesto in Abuja, proposing a 51% presidential vote threshold (requiring constitutional amendment) and a transitional government of national unity. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan sought UK/UN assistance against AI-driven disinformation ahead of 2027 elections.
Courts delivered setbacks: Court of Appeal upheld refusal to recognise Turaki's PDP faction; Federal High Court voided ADC's Nasarawa governorship nomination over inconclusive primaries in Karu LGA.
With campaigns intensifying and security incidents rising, will INEC's disinformation countermeasures and police neutrality hold through 2027?