By The Merit Newspaper Correspondent
Sokoto -November 5, 2026
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to restore petroleum subsidy, reopen Nigeria’s land borders, tackle insecurity and reduce pilgrimage fares for Muslim and Christian faithful if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the promises on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, where he outlined his proposed policies to address economic hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living.
The former vice-president said his proposed administration would prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, arguing that restoring fuel subsidy would help cushion the effects of rising petrol prices, reduce transportation costs and ease the financial pressure on households and businesses.
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On the reopening of land borders, Atiku said the policy would encourage legitimate cross-border trade with neighbouring African countries, create economic opportunities and revive commercial activities, particularly in communities where residents depend heavily on regional trade for their livelihoods.
“I will open all the land borders for our people to do legitimate business with our brothers across the border,” he said.
Atiku also pledged to take decisive measures against insecurity, particularly kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, insisting that Nigerians should be able to return to their farms, conduct businesses and travel without fear of attacks.
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He further promised to reduce the cost of religious pilgrimages for both Muslim and Christian faithful, saying his administration would introduce measures to make religious journeys more affordable and reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
The ADC presidential candidate’s promises come amid continued national debate over the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023, the cost of living and the economic consequences of border restrictions.
Atiku has previously explained that his proposed petroleum intervention would place emphasis on supporting locally refined products rather than returning to the former system of subsidising imported petrol. However, the Federal Government has also disputed claims that Nigeria’s land borders remain closed, maintaining that several major border posts have been reopened for trade.
Earlier at the Sokoto rally, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the party’s growing political support, while former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, called on Nigerians to support the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku urged Nigerians to support the ADC, expressing optimism that the party’s proposed policies would provide an alternative approach to addressing the country’s economic, security and social challenges.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the campaign promises place fuel affordability, cross-border commerce, national security and the cost of religious pilgrimages among the issues likely to feature prominently in discussions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
