University Don Condemns Alleged Hotel Restrictions on ADC Supporters Ahead of Campaign Flag-off in Sokoto

By Yusuf Gwandu

A lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Abubakar Sabo, has raised concerns over allegations that hotels in Sokoto State were booked or directed to shut down to prevent supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from securing accommodation ahead of the party’s presidential campaign flag-off.

Sabo, in a viral post on Facebook expressing concern over the development, said he was informed that hotels across Sokoto had been booked by the state government while he was making arrangements to accommodate visitors arriving from Abuja.

According to him, further inquiries revealed that the alleged bookings were intended to prevent those attending the ADC presidential campaign flag-off from lodging in the state.

He also alleged that a particular ministry had directed hotels to close their operations and ask existing guests to vacate their rooms.

The university lecturer described the development as worrisome, warning that using government influence to frustrate political opponents could undermine the state’s reputation for hospitality and peaceful coexistence.

Sabo recalled a similar incident involving the Sokoto Advancement Forum, which reportedly faced difficulties securing conference halls for a public presentation on the dangers of drug abuse in the state.

He, however, expressed the belief that Governor Ahmed Aliyu would not personally authorise such actions, while urging those responsible to consider the political consequences of their decisions.

According to him, attempts to humiliate opposition figures through the use of government machinery could instead generate public sympathy and support for those being targeted.

“While I do not support any political party, as I do not believe or subscribe to their fake ideologies, I also do not support any government action that puts the general masses under unnecessary hardship, especially in an attempt to humiliate a political opponent,” he said.

Sabo further argued that legitimate businesses should not be compelled to shut down or eject existing customers because of political activities, stressing that such actions could interfere with their operations and livelihoods.

He also questioned the religious and moral justification for imposing political disputes on private businesses and members of the public.

The lecturer urged relevant authorities to reconsider their actions and exercise caution, noting that political power is temporary and that public officials would eventually be judged by history for their conduct while in office.

He added that the current administration, like any other, would have a limited tenure and could face public scrutiny based on its record and actions.

Sabo concluded by praying for continued peace and development in Sokoto State.

The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report. The state government had not responded to the claims in the post.