The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has withheld the location of its presidential campaign rally in Sokoto State, citing security concerns and alleged attempts to disrupt the event scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. The party’s presidential campaign committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, said a venue had been secured but would only be disclosed after approval from the national leadership. He added that the party had contacted the police and Department of State Services (DSS) over reports of a possible disruption and received assurances of adequate security. The development follows rising political tension in the state over the sealing of the ADC’s office, alleged attacks on its supporters and claims of political interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC said some of its members had already arrived in Sokoto despite alleged difficulties securing accommodation for visitors. Maishanu also disclosed that party leaders had approached the police over the closure of their state office and were told that the command had no knowledge of the action. However, the Sokoto State Government defended the decision, with the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, explaining that the premises were sealed following a violent confrontation between PDP and ADC supporters and a security report warning of possible further violence. He also said investigations showed that the property’s Certificate of Occupancy remained registered in the name of the defunct Savannah Bank. Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed receiving the party’s request for security coverage and said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection, describing political rallies as a constitutional right.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted that the campaign flag-off would proceed as planned, accusing the APC-led governments of attempting to frustrate the opposition. He alleged that efforts were being made to impose a curfew and prevent party leaders from reaching Sokoto, while also claiming that securing private aircraft for the trip had become difficult. The party subsequently warned the state government against interfering with its political activities and held Governor Ahmed Aliyu responsible for any violence directed at opposition supporters. The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also accused the DSS of recruiting protesters to create disorder that could provide grounds for imposing a curfew. Speaking in Abuja, he alleged that protesters had been mobilized around parts of Sokoto metropolis, causing traffic disruption and intimidating commuters. He called on security agencies to remain impartial and ensure the rally took place peacefully, while criticizing the Federal Government over what he described as efforts to weaken opposition politics.
The DSS has since ordered an investigation into Atiku’s allegations. In a statement issued by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favor Dozie, the agency denied the claims and cited an October 31 incident in which its operatives reportedly rescued ADC governorship candidate Mannir Daniya during an attack in Sokoto. The service said two of its officers were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical attention. It also referenced the prosecution of a man in Rivers State for allegedly threatening the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, as evidence of its efforts to protect political actors. Although it described Atiku’s allegations as inconsistent with its operations, the agency said the Director-General had directed an investigation. Separately, the ADC petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Muslim World League over alleged political violence, intimidation and restrictions on opposition activities in Sokoto. The petition, submitted by the civil society organization Arewa Transformational Leader, cited alleged attacks on ADC supporters, including women participating in a solidarity procession on October 28 and an alleged assault involving the convoy of the party’s governorship candidate on October 30. The group called for independent investigations, diplomatic engagement and possible sanctions against individuals found responsible.
Amid the growing political dispute, ADC National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai said the party was determined to mobilize Nigerians, particularly young people, ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement following his arrival in Sokoto, he described the reception from party supporters as evidence of their determination to participate in the political process despite what he called intimidation. Rufai said the ADC was in the state to organize and mobilize its supporters, insisting that the party would not be discouraged from exercising its constitutional right to campaign. The rally comes as political parties intensify preparations and grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
