The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, stating that it will hold him responsible for any violence against its members. This warning comes as the party prepares to launch its presidential campaign in the state on Wednesday. The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, signed a statement accusing the state government of political intimidation and demanding an end to interference with its activities.
The warning was given on Tuesday, a day after the state government sealed an ADC campaign office along Ahmadu Bello Way in Sokoto, citing a property ownership dispute and security concerns. According to the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, government records showed that the sealed property belonged to Savannah Bank, with no documented transfer of ownership. The government had written to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for clarification and would keep the premises sealed until it responds.
The ADC has strongly reacted to the government's actions, describing them as an attempt to obstruct its lawful political activities. The party warned that public officials who interfere with its activities should be prepared to face legal consequences. “The Sokoto State Government must understand that governing a State does not confer ownership,” the statement said. “No governor has the power to decide which party can campaign, which candidate can speak, or which political choices the people of Sokoto are allowed to consider.”
The dispute over the campaign activities has taken a different turn, with Aminu Abdullahi, spokesperson for ADC governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya, alleging that the government demanded ₦30 million for a venue for the campaign launch. He said the party agreed to the amount but was not provided with payment details. However, PREMIUM TIMES has not independently confirmed the alleged demand or obtained a government response.
The office closure followed an alleged attack on Mr Dan’iya’s convoy near Sokoto airport on 30 October. The governorship candidate accused personnel linked to state security outfits of obstructing his convoy and damaging his vehicle. The All Progressives Congress (APC) disputed allegations of politically motivated violence, while police said they were investigating the incident.
Atiku Abubakar has also accused the State Security Service of recruiting protesters to disrupt Wednesday’s campaign launch. He alleged that the protesters were being mobilised to create disorder that could justify a curfew and stop the event. However, PREMIUM TIMES has not independently established the allegation, and the SSS had not responded to earlier enquiries at the time of that report.
Despite the disputes and allegations, the ADC said it would proceed with the launch, urging its supporters to remain peaceful and calling on security agencies to protect the rights of all political parties. “Let there be no misunderstanding. The ADC will campaign in Sokoto State. We will not be intimidated, obstructed or pushed out of any part of Nigeria,” the party said.
Key points
- The ADC party warns Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu over violence against its members
- The party accuses the state government of political intimidation and demands an end to interference with its activities
- The ADC will proceed with its presidential campaign launch in Sokoto State despite the disputes and allegations
