Amnesty International Slams Sokoto Govt, Says ADC Office Closure Threatens Democracy
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Sokoto State Government over the sealing of the African Democratic Congress ADC campaign office, describing the action as an attempt to suppress opposition and undermine democratic freedoms.
The international human rights organisation faulted the government’s justification for the closure, which reportedly centred on a dispute over the ownership of the building, describing the alleged dispute as non-existent.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the action amounted to an attack on freedom of association and the right of political parties to freely conduct their activities.
The organisation accused the Sokoto State Government of demonstrating disregard for democratic principles by allegedly deploying state powers to restrict political activities and give the ruling party an unlawful advantage.
It also criticised the government’s explanation that it needed to review the Certificate of Occupancy and other relevant property documents, describing the justification as an attempt to undermine political plurality.
The condemnation comes days after the governorship candidate of the ADC in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, reportedly escaped unhurt when suspected gunmen attacked his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Amnesty International further expressed concern over what it described as the failure of security agencies in the state to adequately protect citizens’ rights and ensure respect for the rule of law.
According to the organisation, the prevailing atmosphere of fear and intimidation in Sokoto is undermining citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and association.
It therefore called on security agencies to take urgent and appropriate measures to prevent further deterioration of the human rights situation in the state and ensure that all political parties can freely exercise their democratic rights.
