Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has returned to Nigeria after a brief foreign business trip, setting the stage for key campaign activities ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday night and was received by supporters eager for updates on the party’s next political moves.
His return is expected to pave the way for the official unveiling of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate, alongside the commencement of the uploading of presidential nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Political parties across Nigeria are preparing to begin submitting INEC nomination forms distributed last week. Candidates are expected to complete and return their documents through party channels before final submission via designated access codes.
Within the ADC, attention is focused on finalising its presidential ticket arrangements following Atiku’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer in May.
Although Amaechi has been announced as vice-presidential candidate by party sources, an official public unveiling by Atiku is still pending.
Atiku’s media aide, Abdulrasheed Shehu, confirmed his return on social media, describing a warm reception by supporters and party loyalists.
He previously explained that the delay in formally presenting the running mate was due to Atiku’s overseas engagement, stressing that there was no internal crisis over the vice-presidential slot.
With his return, party officials are expected to conclude nomination formalities and intensify preparations for the upcoming election cycle.
