The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, has thrown his weight behind the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his proposal to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president.

Dan’Iya said the policy would revive legitimate cross-border trade, improve livelihoods and reduce economic hardship, particularly for communities in Sokoto State that share a border with Niger Republic.

The ADC candidate made his position known in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, on Sunday, stressing that border communities had historically depended on legitimate trade and movement with neighbouring countries.

According to him, reopening the borders while maintaining effective customs, immigration and security controls would provide relief for traders, farmers, transporters and small-scale businesses operating around the border communities.

Dan’Iya said, “For Sokoto, opening the border means opening opportunities for our traders, farmers, transporters and small businesses. We support Atiku’s position 100 per cent because the government must make legitimate economic activity easier, not harder, for its citizens.”

He, however, warned that economic benefits from reopening the borders could only be sustained if the government simultaneously strengthened security.

Dan’Iya said the worsening insecurity in the North-West required an intelligence-led approach, stronger border management, improved policing and military capacity, as well as greater community engagement.

He also called for measures to dismantle the financial networks supporting criminal groups, arguing that insecurity continues to undermine economic activities and development across affected communities.

The governorship candidate further backed Atiku’s proposed one-year strategy for tackling insecurity, saying its effective implementation and the necessary political will could help restore confidence and economic activities in the region.

He stressed that reopening the borders must not be interpreted as abandoning security controls or creating opportunities for smuggling, trafficking and other criminal activities.

“We can have open borders and strong security at the same time. What Nigerians need is a government that knows how to facilitate legitimate movement and trade while stopping criminals,” he said.

Dan’Iya urged Nigerians, particularly residents of border communities, to consider the ADC’s economic and security proposals ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the party remained committed to creating an environment where citizens could work, trade and prosper without unnecessary restrictions or fear.

Atiku’s border proposal has become part of the wider political debate ahead of the 2027 elections, with supporters highlighting the potential economic benefits of freer legitimate trade, while government officials have argued that Nigeria’s land borders are already open but subject to security and administrative controls.