Yusuf Suleiman Accuses Sokoto Government of Unlawfully Sealing ADC Campaign Office

The Deputy Director General Administration of the Atiku Abubakar ADC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, Yusuf Suleiman has accused the Sokoto State Government of unlawfully sealing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) State Campaign Office in Sokoto.

Suleiman made the allegation in a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, describing the action as an attack on democratic rights and political freedom.

According to him, officers of the Sokoto State Police Command sealed the ADC campaign office along Ahmadu Bello Way, Sokoto, on Tuesday, November 3, allegedly acting on the orders of the state government.

He said no court order was presented, no prior notice was served, and no lawful explanation was provided for the sealing of the premises.

Describing the action as illegal, unconstitutional and reckless, Suleiman said it amounted to an infringement on the rights of political parties to organise, assemble and campaign.

“It is a trespass on private premises, and it is a direct assault on the right of a registered political party to organise, assemble and campaign,” he stated, citing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2026.

He further linked the development to what he described as a pattern of political intimidation in Sokoto, recalling the alleged attack on the ADC governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, at Sultan Sadiq Abubakar International Airport barely four days earlier.

Suleiman dismissed claims that authorities were unaware of the occupants of the building, insisting that the ADC had operated openly from the premises for quite sometimes.

“The claim that the authorities do not know who occupies the building is not credible,” he declared, arguing that a government genuinely interested in the ownership or occupation of a building would ordinarily seek clarification through formal correspondence rather than deploy armed officers.

He alleged that the Sokoto State Government was responding to the growing political support for the ADC with force instead of democratic engagement.

“The Sokoto State Government is alarmed by the growing, organic support for the ADC and its candidates across the State, and it has chosen to answer that support with force instead of argument,” Suleiman alleged.

He vowed to pursue all legitimate legal remedies to secure the reopening of the campaign office and protect ADC members, supporters and property.

He also held the Sokoto State Government and the Police Command responsible for any possible breach of peace arising from the development.

Suleiman called on the Inspector-General of Police to order the immediate unsealing of the premises and ensure that the police discharge their responsibilities impartially.

He further appealed to civil society organisations, election observers and the international community to condemn the action and demand explanations from the state government and police authorities.

He urged Nigeria’s international partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Commonwealth, to take note of individuals allegedly undermining democratic governance in Sokoto and consider visa restrictions against them.

“Democracy in Sokoto will not be locked away. The people of Sokoto will be heard,” he declared.