The African Democratic Congress has fixed Wednesday, 4 November, for the flag-off of its presidential campaign in Sokoto State, despite alleging attacks on its members and attempts by the state government to frustrate the event.
The party said it would proceed with the campaign to demonstrate its determination to exercise its constitutional rights and participate fully in the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of the ADC governorship campaign in Sokoto State, Bello Goronyo, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto on Sunday.
Mr Goronyo alleged that the Sokoto State Government opposed the party’s initial plan to hold the presidential campaign flag-off on 31 October and subsequently pressured hotel operators to cancel reservations made by delegates and supporters.
He said some government-owned hotels reportedly declined to accommodate the party’s guests, while private hotel operators were allegedly threatened with demolition if they refused to withdraw bookings.
The ADC campaign director described the alleged actions as an attempt to restrict opposition activities and undermine political pluralism in the state.
However, the Sokoto State Government has denied directing hotels to reject ADC delegates, while the state APC said hotel demand was linked to preparations for a traditional title ceremony.
Party alleges attacks on supporters
Mr Goronyo also accused government-linked security outfits of involvement in attacks on ADC members.
He cited an alleged incident involving the party’s governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on 30 October.
According to him, the candidate’s vehicles were smashed and gunshots were reportedly fired, while two Department of State Services personnel attached to his security detail were detained.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to investigate the incident and establish those responsible.
The ADC also alleged that its women supporters were attacked during a solidarity march on 28 October, resulting in injuries, stolen mobile phones and damaged vehicles.
The party said its state campaign office was also attacked on the same day, with windows, doors and other property damaged, while three motorcycles were destroyed.
ADC demands protection for supporters
The party further alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshals and Sokoto Community Guards had been instructed to prevent its supporters from entering the state ahead of the campaign.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police and the DSS Director-General to investigate the alleged attacks, intimidation of hotel operators and involvement of state security personnel.
Mr Goronyo insisted that the party would not abandon its political activities despite the alleged obstacles.
“No governor, political party or security commander has the authority to restrict citizens from entering a state because of their political affiliation,” the party said.
ADC says Sokoto rally will go ahead
The decision to proceed with the 4 November event follows the party’s earlier postponement of the campaign flag-off from 31 October.
ADC chieftain Timothy Osadolor had said the postponement was a strategic decision aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order, insisting that the party would retain Sokoto as the venue.
He said the onus was on security agencies to provide adequate protection for the campaign and its participants.
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has also condemned the reported attack on Mr Dan’iya and called for an independent investigation. He said the ADC would proceed with its 4 November campaign flag-off despite the incident.
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