In Sokoto, Atiku promises to reopen borders and bring back fuel subsidy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised to reopen Nigeria's land borders and restore the fuel subsidy if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), set out the pledges on Wednesday at the formal start of his party's presidential campaign in Sokoto, the rally he had earlier claimed some people were planning to disrupt.

He said opening the land borders would boost trade with neighbouring African countries and create openings for farmers, traders and transporters. He also said he would look again at the petrol subsidy to bring down fuel prices, transport fares and the cost of food and other goods.

Atiku further promised to tackle insecurity and to cut the cost of pilgrimages for both Muslims and Christians. He did not say how the plans would be paid for.

ADC National Chairman David Mark said the crowd showed the party's growing strength in Sokoto. Former governor Aminu Tambuwal and the party's governorship candidate, Manir Dan'iya, also urged voters to back Atiku.