SOKOTO POLITICAL TENSION: ADC ALLEGES ATTACK ON CAMPAIGN OFFICE, ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF INTIMIDATION
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has accused the state government of allegedly frustrating its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, following reported attacks on its campaign office and supporters.
The allegations come amid escalating political tension in the state, with the opposition party demanding an investigation into incidents it says threaten its constitutional right to political participation.
The ADC’s Director-General of the governorship campaign, Bello Aliyu Goronyo, reportedly raised the concerns while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto.
According to reports, the party alleged that its campaign office was attacked on October 28, with windows, doors and other property damaged, while three motorcycles were reportedly destroyed.
The party also alleged that its women supporters were attacked during a solidarity procession, with some sustaining injuries and personal belongings reportedly stolen or damaged.
Allegations of Government Interference
The ADC further accused the Sokoto State Government of allegedly pressuring hotel operators to cancel accommodation reservations made for delegates and supporters expected to attend its presidential campaign flag-off.
The party claimed that some hotel operators were threatened with consequences, including possible demolition of their properties, if they failed to comply with alleged instructions to deny accommodation to its supporters.
The Sokoto State Government, however, has denied allegations that it directed hotels to reject ADC delegates, insisting that it was not involved in the reported accommodation difficulties.
The controversy has also attracted attention following a separate reported confrontation involving the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, around the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto.
The candidate reportedly accused personnel of state-owned security outfits of attacking his convoy, allegations that have prompted calls for an independent investigation.
ADC Insists on Campaign Flag-Off
Despite the reported incidents, the opposition party has maintained that its presidential campaign flag-off will proceed in Sokoto on November 4, 2026.
The party has called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and provide adequate protection for its candidates, leaders and supporters.
It has also urged the state government to ensure that security outfits under its control remain politically neutral.
Questions Remain Over Campaign Office Sealing
While reports have documented the ADC’s allegations of an attack on its campaign office, The Analyst could not independently establish whether the Sokoto State Government subsequently sealed the office, the authority responsible for any closure, or the official reason for such an action.
The state government’s response to the specific allegation of sealing the campaign office was also not independently established at the time of publication.
The development, if confirmed, would raise significant questions about the protection of political parties’ rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, stakeholders have called for restraint, impartial investigations and guarantees that all political parties can operate without intimidation or unlawful obstruction.
The Analyst will continue to monitor developments and seek clarification from the Sokoto State Government and the ADC.