Follow Us on Google
From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has called on security agencies to investigate alleged attempts to prevent its supporters from entering the state, while demanding adequate protection for its candidates, party leaders and members ahead of its presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for November 4.
The party also urged the Sokoto State Government to ensure that state-owned security outfits remain politically neutral and are not deployed for partisan activities.
The demands were made at a press conference on Sunday, where the party expressed concern over alleged intimidation, attacks and obstruction of its members and supporters.
“We call for an investigation into reports of instructions issued to prevent ADC supporters from entering Sokoto State. Remember that no Nigerian should be denied freedom of movement or political participation because of party affiliation.”
The party further demanded effective security protection for its candidates, party leaders, members, campaign offices and supporters, particularly those expected to attend the presidential campaign flag-off.
The ADC maintained that general assurances from the authorities would not be sufficient without concrete action to address the incidents it had reported.
Reaffirming its commitment to the November 4 campaign flag-off, the party said no threat, intimidation or unlawful obstruction would stop it from exercising its constitutional right to organise political activities and campaign for its candidates.
Other News
It, however, urged its supporters across the country to remain calm, peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding, warning against taking the law into their own hands.
The party said it would continue to pursue accountability through lawful means.
It also appealed to civil society organisations, human rights groups, the media and the international community to pay urgent attention to the developments and support efforts to protect democratic freedoms in Sokoto State.
Challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the ADC said political competition should be based on ideas, policies, performance and the will of voters rather than intimidation, violence or obstruction.
“We are demanding justice for our members who were injured during the last incidents, accountability for attacks and destruction, and an end to the use of public institutions for partisan intimidation.”
“We are calling on the government to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. Security agencies and outfits should serve the public interest rather than partisan interests.”
“Sokoto belongs to all its people,” the party declared.
