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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to proceed with its scheduled campaign in Sokoto State despite the closure of its campaign office by the state government.
The party accused the Sokoto State Government of using its authority to intimidate the opposition and restrict its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, warning that Governor Ahmed Aliyu would be held responsible if any violence was directed against opposition members in the state.
Abdullahi said the government had no right to prevent political parties from campaigning or deny residents the opportunity to consider alternative political choices.
“The Sokoto State Government must understand that governing a state does not confer ownership. Public office is a temporary mandate from the people, not a licence to suppress political competition,” he said.
He called on the state government to stop what the party described as attempts to frustrate its lawful activities and provide a level playing field for all political parties.
The ADC spokesman also urged security agencies and public institutions to remain impartial, insisting that their responsibility was to the Constitution and Nigerians rather than the interests of the ruling party.
He warned that public officials who obstruct lawful political activities could face legal consequences, adding that the ADC would not abandon its campaign because of the closure.
“Let there be no misunderstanding. The ADC will campaign in Sokoto State. We will not be intimidated, obstructed or pushed out of any part of Nigeria simply because those in power are afraid of political competition,” Abdullahi said.
He maintained that political participation was a constitutional right and not a privilege that governors could grant or withdraw.
Abdullahi further challenged the ruling party to allow an open political contest, arguing that a government confident of its performance should not fear opposition campaigns.
He urged ADC members and supporters in Sokoto to remain peaceful and law-abiding while defending their right to campaign across the state.
The party’s reaction followed the sealing of its campaign office by the Sokoto State Government over an alleged ownership dispute.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the closure on Monday, saying the action followed a recent clash involving supporters of different political parties.
The state government had earlier claimed that the property belonged to Savannah Bank and said it was awaiting clarification from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on its ownership.
