Nigeria: ADC Vows to Proceed With Sokoto Campaign Despite Intimidation

What the report says

The African Democratic Congress says it will go ahead with its planned campaign in Sokoto State despite what it calls efforts by the state government to intimidate the opposition and disrupt its political activities. The party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the statement on Tuesday, arguing that no state government has the power to stop a political party from campaigning or presenting candidates to voters.

According to the report carried by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica, the ADC accused Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration of undermining democratic rights ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party also warned that the governor would be held responsible if violence occurs against its members or supporters in the state. It urged security agencies and other public institutions to remain loyal to the constitution rather than to any political party.

The dispute follows the sealing of the ADC’s campaign office in Sokoto over an alleged ownership issue. The state’s commissioner for lands and housing said the closure came after a clash involving supporters of different political parties. The ADC has previously alleged that police were being used to pressure opposition politicians and has called for the premises to be reopened.

The broader significance is that the episode highlights rising tension around opposition campaigning in Nigeria as parties begin positioning for the 2027 vote. The ADC said it would continue to press for a level playing field and urged its supporters in Sokoto to remain peaceful and law-abiding.