The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kept the venue of its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State secret over security concerns and alleged attempts to disrupt the event scheduled for Wednesday.
The party said it had secured a venue but was taking precautionary measures following reports of a possible plot to frustrate the rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC Presidential Campaign Committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, said the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), which assured it of adequate security.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a formal request for security coverage, adding that the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection for the rally.
However, the Sokoto State Government defended its decision to seal the ADC state office, saying the action followed a violent confrontation between PDP and ADC supporters at the premises and a security report warning of possible further violence.
The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, 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 (NDIC) for clarification.
Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the ruling APC of attempting to frustrate the party’s campaign activities, including efforts to secure transportation for its members attending the rally.
He insisted that the party would not be intimidated or prevented from exercising its constitutional right to campaign.
The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also accused the DSS of allegedly mobilising protesters to create disorder and provide grounds for the state government to impose a curfew that could prevent the rally.
Atiku, who spoke in Abuja, further accused the Sokoto State Government of restricting the party’s access to public facilities and called on security agencies to remain impartial.
However, the DSS announced that its Director-General had ordered an investigation into the allegations. The agency denied involvement in organising protests, citing its previous security operations to protect ADC officials and other political figures.
The party has also petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Muslim World League over alleged political violence, intimidation and restrictions on opposition activities in Sokoto.
The petition, submitted through a civil society organisation, called for diplomatic intervention and investigations into reported attacks on ADC supporters and the sealing of its campaign office.
Meanwhile, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said the party remained determined to mobilise Nigerians, particularly young people, ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the party would not be discouraged by alleged intimidation and expressed confidence in its growing support across the country.
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