BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to proceed with its scheduled political campaign in Sokoto State despite what it described as attempts by the state government to intimidate opposition members and frustrate its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also warned that Governor Ahmed Aliyu would be held accountable if any violence or attacks were directed at its members and supporters in the state.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, accusing the Sokoto State Government of undermining democratic rights and deliberately creating obstacles to the party’s lawful political activities.

Abdullahi insisted that the alleged intimidation would not deter the party, stressing that no elected governor had the constitutional authority to prevent an opposition party from campaigning or presenting its candidates to the electorate.

“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,” the statement read.

“No governor has the power to decide which party can campaign, which candidate can speak, or which political choices the people of Sokoto are allowed to consider.”

The ADC spokesperson called on the state government to immediately end what he described as efforts to frustrate the party’s activities and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

He also urged security agencies and other public institutions to remain impartial, reminding them that their allegiance and responsibilities were to the Nigerian Constitution and the people, rather than the political interests of any ruling party.

Abdullahi further warned that public officials who abused their positions to obstruct legitimate political activities would be held liable under the law.

“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,” he declared.

He maintained that participation in the democratic process was a constitutional right, not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of elected public officials.

The party also accused the ruling political establishment of demonstrating intolerance towards opposition activities, challenging it to embrace open political competition if it was confident of its performance in government.

“If the ruling party believes it has served the people well, it should have nothing to fear from an open contest,” Abdullahi said.

“Intimidation cannot manufacture public support, and obstruction cannot take away the people’s right to choose their leaders. The people of Sokoto, like all Nigerians, deserve the opportunity to listen to competing ideas and make their own decisions.”

He appealed to ADC members, supporters and residents of Sokoto State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the party would continue to defend its constitutional right to campaign freely across the country.

“The future of Sokoto belongs to the people of Sokoto, not to any governor or political party. No government has the right to veto democracy,” he added.

The development follows the sealing of the ADC campaign office in Sokoto over an alleged ownership dispute.

The state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, announced the closure of the premises on Monday, explaining that the action followed a recent confrontation involving supporters of different political parties.

However, the ADC had earlier accused the state government of deploying the police to intimidate opposition politicians, demanding the immediate reopening of its campaign office.

The unfolding dispute has heightened tensions between the opposition party and the Sokoto State Government, with the ADC insisting that it will not surrender its right to political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

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