PHOTOS: Sultan receives Atiku in Sokoto, urges unity

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, received former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and called on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity, according to Punch Nigeria. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on Wednesday after facing uncertainty regarding the venue and whether the event would be permitted in the state, Daily Trust reports.

Daily Trust notes that while the event was largely peaceful, two people were reportedly shot during an alleged attack on party supporters traveling to the campaign ground. The party had previously faced hostility, including the sealing of its secretariat and the alleged takeover of hotel accommodations by the state government. Premium Times reports that Atiku’s campaign stated the turnout for the Sokoto launch reflected public frustration regarding living costs.

During the period, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II credited President Bola Tinubu with improving Nigeria's economic indicators despite ongoing hardship, Premium Times reports.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Premium Times, Daily Trust — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.