ADC tells Sokoto governor to stop violence against opposition members

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu that it will hold him responsible for any violence against opposition members. This comes as the party gets ready to launch its presidential campaign in the state on Wednesday.

The warning was issued on Tuesday, a day after the state government sealed an ADC campaign office on Ahmadu Bello Way in Sokoto. The government cited a property ownership dispute and security concerns as reasons for the closure.

In a statement from its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the state government of trying to intimidate them. They called for an end to any interference with their activities.

"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 ADC warned that public officials who block lawful political activities should be ready to face legal action.

Nasiru Dantsoho, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, said government records show that the sealed property belongs to Savannah Bank. He mentioned there is no documented transfer of ownership.

Dantsoho added that the government has reached out to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for clarification. He said the office would remain sealed until a response is received.

He also mentioned a disturbance near the property involving political supporters as another reason for the closure.

Aminu Abdullahi, spokesperson for ADC governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya, claimed that the government asked for ₦30 million for a venue for the campaign launch.

He said the party agreed to pay the amount but was not given payment details. PREMIUM TIMES has not verified this claim or received a response from the government.

The office closure followed an alleged attack on Mr Dan’iya’s convoy near Sokoto airport on October 30.

The governorship candidate accused personnel linked to state security of blocking his convoy and damaging his vehicle. The All Progressives Congress (APC) denied the claims of politically motivated violence, while police stated they are investigating the incident.

On the same day, Atiku Abubakar accused the State Security Service of hiring protesters to disrupt Wednesday’s campaign launch.

He claimed the protesters were being gathered to create chaos that could justify a curfew and stop the event. This newspaper has not confirmed this allegation, and the SSS had not replied to earlier inquiries.

Despite the issues, the ADC said it will go ahead with the launch.

"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 stated.

They urged their supporters to stay peaceful and called on security agencies to protect the rights of all political parties.