The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has withheld the venue of its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State, citing security concerns and alleged attempts to disrupt the event scheduled for Wednesday, November 4.
The party said it had secured a venue but would only disclose its location after receiving clearance from its national headquarters. Its presidential campaign committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, said the decision was a precautionary measure following reports of a possible plot to frustrate the rally.
Maishanu said the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the concerns, adding that both agencies had assured it of adequate security. He also confirmed that some party members had arrived in Sokoto ahead of the event.
The Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the command had received a formal request for security coverage. He said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection, describing political campaigns as a constitutional right.
The development comes amid tension between the ADC and the Sokoto State Government over the sealing of the party’s state office. The government, through the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, said the action followed a violent confrontation between PDP and ADC supporters at the property and a security report warning of possible further violence.
Dantsoho also said investigations showed that the property’s Certificate of Occupancy remained registered in the name of the defunct Savannah Bank. He added that the government had contacted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to clarify the ownership status.
However, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had concluded arrangements for the rally and was confident it would hold. He accused the APC-led governments of attempting to frustrate the party’s activities, including allegedly making it difficult to secure private aircraft and accommodation for its members.
The party also warned the state government against interfering with its campaign, saying Governor Ahmed Aliyu would be held responsible for any violence against its supporters. It called on security agencies to remain impartial and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, separately accused the DSS of mobilising protesters to create disorder in Sokoto and provide grounds for the state government to impose a curfew. He also alleged that the government was obstructing the party’s use of public facilities and other logistical arrangements.
The DSS denied the allegations, saying its operatives had been providing security for political parties. In a statement by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the service said its Director-General had ordered an investigation into Atiku’s claims. It cited the evacuation of ADC governorship candidate Mannir Dan’Iya during an attack on October 31, during which two DSS operatives were reportedly injured.
Meanwhile, the ADC, through a civil society group, Arewa Transformational Leader, petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Muslim World League over alleged political violence and restrictions on opposition activities in Sokoto. The group called for independent investigations, diplomatic intervention and possible sanctions against individuals found responsible for political violence.
The party’s National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, also said the ADC was determined to mobilise young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. He described the reception party members received upon arriving in Sokoto as evidence that supporters would not be deterred by alleged intimidation.
