The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed that its presidential campaign flag-off will hold in Sokoto State on Wednesday, November 4, despite allegations of intimidation, attacks on party members and attempts to frustrate its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of the ADC governorship campaign in Sokoto State, Bello Goronyo, announced the new date while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto.
Goronyo alleged that the state government opposed the party’s initial plan to hold the rally on October 31 and subsequently pressured hotel operators to cancel accommodation arrangements for delegates and supporters.
He claimed that some government-owned hotels declined to accommodate the party’s guests, while private hotel operators were allegedly threatened with demolition if they honoured the bookings.
The campaign director also accused government-linked security outfits of involvement in attacks on ADC members, including an alleged incident involving the party’s governorship candidate, Manir Dan’iya, at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on October 30.
He alleged that the candidate’s vehicles were damaged and gunshots fired, while two Department of State Services personnel attached to his security detail were detained. Goronyo called on the police and the DSS to investigate the reported incident.
He further alleged that ADC women supporters were attacked during a solidarity march on October 28 and that the party’s state campaign office was vandalised.
However, the Sokoto State Government had denied directing hotels to reject ADC delegates, while the state APC attributed accommodation difficulties to demand from dignitaries expected at a traditional title ceremony.
The dispute highlights rising political tensions in the North-West as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. The ADC has urged supporters to remain peaceful and called on security agencies to ensure the rally proceeds safely.
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