The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is struggling to finalize arrangements for its presidential campaign launch in Sokoto State, scheduled for Wednesday. As of Tuesday evening, the party had not secured a venue, mobilized supporters, or made basic logistical arrangements for the rally. The event was initially set for Saturday, October 31, but was postponed due to alleged hotel booking issues by the state government, which has denied the claim.
The party's leaders have resorted to using private homes and guest houses to accommodate arriving dignitaries due to hotel room shortages. Some party leaders, including National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Dino Melaye, and Kaduna State governorship candidate Isa Ashiru Kudan, have already arrived in Sokoto. More leaders and dignitaries were expected to arrive on Tuesday night or early Wednesday. The party has not officially announced the rally venue, with unverified sources suggesting the Trade Fair Complex or the party's office premises along Ahmadu Bello Way.
A source familiar with the arrangement alleged that the party was asked to pay N20 million to use the Trade Fair Complex, but the account details had not been provided. The party's Director-General of the Governorship Campaign Council, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, declined to comment on the arrival of party leaders and the venue. Meanwhile, the party's office, recently sealed by the state government, has reportedly been reopened after renovation work was carried out on Monday night.
Despite the challenges, the ADC has stated that it has concluded arrangements for the campaign launch. The state Vice-Chairman, Bello Isyaku Keegan, said the party has made transportation arrangements and distributed materials to supporters expected to attend the rally. Keegan expressed optimism that the event would be successful but declined to disclose the venue, citing fears of intimidation by the state government.
The party's media aide, Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, said meetings have been ongoing since Tuesday morning, with guests and supporters continuing to arrive in the state. Some residents have offered their personal houses and lodges to accommodate visitors, and about six aircraft have arrived with guests from the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and other states. Abubakar identified Yusuf Suleiman, the Deputy Director-General, Administration of the PCC and a former minister from the state, as among the early arrivals.
The controversy surrounding the venue has led to a letter from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, requesting approval for the rally venue. However, the party has yet to receive an acknowledgement, and security vehicles have been deployed to prevent the use of the venue. The ADC has instructed its members to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid carrying weapons or engaging in any act capable of breaching public order.
The Sokoto State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have not responded to inquiries about the issue. The ADC Secretary in Tangaza Local Government Area, Yahuza Mode Tangaza, said members from several local government areas have concluded plans to attend the rally and have been instructed to report any incidents to security agencies.
Key points
- The ADC's presidential campaign launch in Sokoto State faces uncertainty due to logistical challenges and venue disputes.
- The party has resorted to using private homes and guest houses to accommodate arriving dignitaries due to hotel room shortages.
- The controversy surrounding the venue has led to a letter from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, requesting approval for the rally venue.
