The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the venue for the flag-off of its presidential campaign in Sokoto State. According to Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the campaign kick-off will take place at the ADC secretariat located along Ilorin Road, Sokoto. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, and party members and dignitaries are preparing for the activity. This development comes after the party initially refused to disclose the venue due to allegations of intimidation and suppression.
The ADC's decision to unveil the venue follows a recent incident involving the party's governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya. Gunmen reportedly opened fire on Dan'iya's convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night, but he escaped unhurt. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) denied allegations of being responsible for the attack. However, a campaign office of the ADC was sealed three days later, sparking concerns about the party's ability to operate freely in the state.
The Sokoto State government has also been accused of denying the ADC a suitable venue for the campaign kick-off. These allegations have raised concerns about the party's ability to conduct its campaign activities without interference. The ADC's presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the APC and the Department of State Services (DSS) are plotting to scuttle the party's inaugural campaign.
In response to these allegations, the DSS has denied any involvement in attempting to disrupt the ADC's campaign. Despite these assurances, the party has taken measures to ensure its campaign activities proceed as planned. According to Lamido, Atiku Abubakar will arrive at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, by 9 am on Wednesday. Party supporters and members of the public are invited to receive him at the airport before proceeding to the campaign venue.
The ADC has urged its party executives across the 23 local government areas and wards, mobilisation coordinators, support groups, women and youth organisations to activate their structures and ensure maximum participation in the event. This is expected to be a major show of strength for the party in Sokoto State. The ADC is one of the leading opposition parties in Nigeria, and its campaign activities are being closely watched by political observers.
The incident involving Dan'iya's convoy has raised concerns about the security situation in Sokoto State, particularly in the run-up to the elections. The ADC has called for calm and urged its supporters to remain vigilant. The party has also assured its supporters that it will take all necessary measures to ensure their safety during the campaign activities.
The ADC's presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State is expected to set the tone for the party's campaign activities in the region. With Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, the party is hoping to make a strong showing in the state. The event will likely be attended by party supporters, dignitaries, and members of the public.
Key points
- The ADC has unveiled the venue for its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State, amid allegations of intimidation and suppression.
- The party's governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, reportedly escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire on his convoy.
- The ADC's presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the APC and DSS are plotting to scuttle the party's inaugural campaign.
