Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to come out in large numbers and vote in the 2027 general elections as if it were Judgment Day.

Atiku made the call on Wednesday in Sokoto while addressing supporters at the flag-off of the ADC presidential campaign.

He also alleged that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were going round villages in northern Nigeria to buy voters’ cards in an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

“Let us come out and vote as if it were Judgment Day. Come out in large numbers, protect your votes and escort them until they are secured,” he said.

“If you fail to turn out in large numbers, people will go from village to village buying voters’ cards to create the impression that we do not have as many supporters as those in the South. Go out and cast your vote, and protect it.”

The former Vice-President said Sokoto was chosen for the campaign launch because of its historical and religious significance, describing the state as a centre of peace and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the ADC would secure strong support across the country if voters turned out massively and protected their ballots.