The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate the same level of public engagement as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following what it called a massive turnout of supporters who welcomed the opposition presidential hopeful to Bauchi State.
The campaign council posed the challenge after thousands of supporters reportedly lined the route from the Bauchi airport to the Bauchi State Presidential Lodge to welcome Atiku ahead of his campaign rally in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, by his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the ADC campaign described the reception as a remarkable show of enthusiasm and a historic homecoming for Atiku in the North-East.
According to the statement, Atiku commenced his engagements at about 8:00 a.m., meeting with stakeholders in Bauchi before proceeding to the campaign rally scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
The rally attracted a large crowd of supporters, marking the commencement of his campaign activities in the North-East region.
Shaibu said Atiku expressed appreciation to the people of Bauchi for their warm reception, adding that the enthusiastic welcome had strengthened his determination to take his message of affordable living and responsible leadership to communities across the country.
Following the rally, Atiku and his campaign entourage embarked on a road journey to Azare, with stops in Soro, Kari, Darazo and Misau.
At each of the locations, the campaign council said large numbers of residents, including men, women, youths and elderly people, turned out to receive the former Vice President and his entourage.
During the journey, Atiku also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Misau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, where he expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler and his council for their hospitality and encouragement.
He equally thanked residents of the Misau Emirate for turning out in large numbers to welcome his team despite its late arrival.
The former Vice President prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Emir and the entire emirate.
Atiku eventually arrived in Azare at about 10:30 p.m., where he paid another courtesy visit to the Emir of Katagum as part of his engagements with traditional institutions and community leaders.
The ADC campaign team is expected to proceed to Potiskum for another rally on Sunday.
Reacting to the massive reception, the campaign council questioned whether President Tinubu would be willing to undertake similar grassroots engagements and personally meet Nigerians across communities.
“The scale of yesterday’s welcome raises a simple question: can the sitting President volunteer to meet the people and make even half the effort Atiku has made to reach them?” the statement asked.
The campaign council’s challenge comes as political activities and public engagements intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
