ADC Insists on November 4 Presidential Campaign Flag-Off in Sokoto Despite Alleged Intimidation

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sokoto State Chapter, has reaffirmed its determination to host its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto on November 4, 2026, despite alleged attempts by the state government to frustrate the party’s political activities.

The party made the declaration during a press conference presented by the Director-General of the ADC Sokoto State Campaign Council, Hon. Bello Aliyu Goronyo, at the party’s State Headquarters in Sokoto.

Addressing journalists, the ADC accused the Sokoto State Government of political intimidation, harassment and the alleged use of state-owned security outfits to undermine opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said its initial decision to hold the presidential campaign flag-off on October 31 was formally communicated to the state government, but the government responded by expressing disagreement with the decision.

It described the government’s position as a source of concern for democratic pluralism and the constitutional rights of opposition parties to organise lawful political gatherings.

The ADC, however, declared that the November 4 campaign flag-off would proceed as scheduled, insisting that no threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction would prevent it from exercising its democratic rights.

“The ADC’s presidential campaign flag-off, now scheduled for November 4, 2026, will proceed. No threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction will deprive the Party of its constitutional right to organise political activities and campaign for its candidates,” the party stated.

The opposition party also called on its supporters across the country to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding, stressing that it would not be provoked into taking the law into its own hands.

The ADC further alleged that attempts had been made to frustrate preparations for the campaign flag-off through the cancellation of hotel reservations, pressure on hotel operators and the destruction of campaign materials in different parts of the state.

It also condemned the October 28 attack on its women supporters during a peaceful solidarity march, alleging that participants were injured, their mobile phones snatched and their vehicles and other property vandalised.

The party said its state campaign office was also attacked on the same day, resulting in damaged doors and windows, stolen or damaged property and the destruction of three motorcycles.

The ADC expressed particular concern over the October 30 incident involving its governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, at the Sultan Sadiq Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.

It alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshals and Sokoto Community Guards were involved in the incident, during which the candidate’s vehicles were smashed and gunshots reportedly fired.

The party also questioned the reported detention of two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel assigned to the governorship candidate’s security detail.

It consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS and other relevant authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The party also raised concerns over reports that ADC supporters were being prevented from entering Sokoto State ahead of the presidential campaign flag-off, describing any such restriction as a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of movement, association and peaceful assembly.

Reaffirming its position, the ADC described itself as a peaceful political party committed to democratic principles, political tolerance and the rule of law.

“Our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness or surrender of our constitutional rights. We will not be intimidated, silenced or forced out of the democratic space through violence, threats or politically motivated harassment,” the party declared.

The party appealed to civil society organisations, human rights groups, the media and the international community to pay attention to developments in Sokoto State and support efforts to protect democratic freedoms.

It maintained that political competition should be determined by ideas, policies, performance and the will of voters rather than intimidation, violence or obstruction.

The ADC urged security authorities to provide adequate protection for its candidates, leaders, members and supporters attending the November 4 presidential campaign flag-off, while ensuring that state-owned security outfits remain politically neutral.

The press conference was attended by the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya (Walin Sokoto); Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hon. Bello Ambarura; State Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu; and other party leaders.