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 and Punch Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar's campaign stated that the turnout at its Sokoto launch reflected frustration regarding living costs, while Premium Times reports that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II credited President Bola Tinubu with improving economic indicators despite persistent hardship.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on Wednesday following uncertainty regarding the venue and whether the party would be permitted to hold the rally in the state, according to Daily Trust. Although the event was described as largely peaceful, Daily Trust reports allegations that some supporters were attacked while traveling to the campaign ground, resulting in two people being reportedly shot.

The ADC campaign faced several hurdles prior to the event, including the alleged takeover of hotel accommodations by the state government, the sealing of the party secretariat, and the refusal to grant use of public squares. The flag-off follows the start of the ruling All Progressives Congress campaign, which began on October 24 in Kaduna.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Punch Nigeria, Premium Times, Daily Trust — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.