ADC’s struggle to campaign

There was an air of uncertainty on Tuesday over whether the flag-off of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign in Sokoto State scheduled for Wednesday (today) would be held as planned.

Daily Trust gathered that, as of Tuesday evening, the party was still struggling to secure a venue for the event, mobilise supporters, and make other basic logistical arrangements for the rally.

Our correspondents report that the event was initially scheduled for Saturday, October 31, but was shifted to Wednesday due to the alleged takeover of hotel bookings by the state government, which has denied the claim.

It was learnt that due to problems of logistics, some ADC leaders in the state offered their homes and guest houses to accommodate party leaders and other dignitaries arriving for the party’s presidential campaign flag-off.

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Some party leaders confirmed this in separate interviews with our correspondents, saying they resorted to providing private accommodation after failing to secure hotel rooms for their guests.

Spokesman for the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Aminu Abubakar, said the party was yet to secure hotel accommodation, prompting members to volunteer their residences and guest houses.

“Some of them have offered their homes, while others have provided their guest houses to accommodate our visitors. That is where we are putting them up,” he said.

Another party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some prominent party leaders had already arrived in Sokoto ahead of the event.

He said they include the party’s National Secretary and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Dino Melaye; and the party’s governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Ashiru Kudan.

The source added that more party leaders and dignitaries were expected to arrive Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

However, the party was yet to officially announce the exact venue of the rally as of the time of filing this report.

Supporters of the ADC in Sokoto yesterday

An unverified source claimed that the event would take place at the Trade Fair Complex, while another source said it would be held at the party’s office premises along Ahmadu Bello Way, which was recently sealed by the state government.

A source familiar with the arrangement alleged that the party had been asked to pay N20 million for the use of the Trade Fair Complex.

According to the source, the party had agreed to the payment and requested the account details to enable it to transfer the money, but the details had yet to be provided.

Director-General of the ADC Governorship Campaign Council, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, when contacted for clarification on the arrival of party leaders and the venue of the event declined to comment, saying he was not aware of the arrival of the guests or where the presidential campaign flag-off would take place.

Meanwhile, another source said the disagreement surrounding the sealing of the party’s office had been resolved and that renovation work was carried out at the facility on Monday night.

We’re going ahead with rally – Sokoto ADC

Despite the challenges, the ADC said it had concluded arrangements for its campaign flag-off.

The state Vice-Chairman of the party, Bello Isyaku Keegan, said the party had made transportation arrangements and other materials for supporters expected to attend the rally from various local government areas.

He said the party was optimistic that the event would be successful, adding that all arrangements had been concluded.

Keegan, however, declined to disclose the venue of the rally, citing fears of possible intimidation by the state government.

He said the party had arranged accommodation for some supporters within the Sokoto metropolis, while others had secured rooms in Birnin Kebbi to enable them to arrive early for the event.

“We have completed our preparations and distributed transport money and materials to our members coming from different local government areas. We expect tomorrow (today) to be wonderful for us,” he said.

The media aide to the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdullahi Abubakar, said meetings had been ongoing since Tuesday morning, while guests and other party supporters had continued to arrive in the state.

He said some residents had offered their personal houses and lodges to accommodate the visitors, adding that about six aircraft had arrived with guests from the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and other states.

Abubakar said he could not confirm the total number of guests who had arrived as of the time of the interview but identified the Deputy Director-General, Administration of the PCC and former minister who is from the state, Yusuf Suleiman, as among the early arrivals.

On the controversy surrounding the use of the venue, he said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had written to the relevant authorities on Monday, requesting approval for the rally venue, but the party had yet to receive an acknowledgement as of Tuesday evening.

He alleged that after submitting the letter, the authorities closed the office, although it was reopened on Tuesday morning.

Abubakar further said the party was later informed that five Hilux vehicles conveying security operatives had been deployed to prevent the use of the venue after party members were seen entering the office earlier in the day.

He said the security vehicles were stationed around the campaign council office, apparently to seal the premises.

According to him, the latest letter was the second request submitted by the party after Sokoto was selected as the venue for the campaign flag-off.

He said the first request was rejected, prompting Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to submit another letter on Monday. In the letter, Atiku reportedly appealed to the authorities to reconsider their position and allow the party to use the venue, citing its constitutional right to political participation.

ADC secretariat in Sokoto

Efforts to get reactions from the Sokoto State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were unsuccessful, as the Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi; the Governor’s Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa; and the state APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, could not be reached by phone as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the ADC Secretary in Tangaza Local Government Area, Yahuza Mode Tangaza, said members from several local government areas had concluded plans to attend the rally.

He said supporters from Tangaza, Gudu, Binji, Kware, Gwadabawa, Illela and Gada would converge on a designated point before proceeding together to the venue.

Tangaza said the party had instructed its members to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid carrying weapons or engaging in any act capable of breaching public order.

“We have been told not to do anything against the law. If anything happens to us, we should report to security agencies and provide evidence,” he said.

He added that members had also been warned against pasting posters or displaying banners, which he said could expose them to possible attacks.

Another party chieftain, Alhaji Cika Mairago, who contested the party’s primary election but did not emerge victorious, said members were fully prepared to receive the presidential candidate.

He said the party had no reason to fear as long as its members conducted themselves within the law.

“We are used to opposition politics and, by God’s grace, we will conduct our politics properly. We believe that as long as you obey the law, nobody should deny you justice, unless those involved are acting out of personal interest,” he said.

We’ll ensure peaceful rally – police

However, the Sokoto State Police Command said it had deployed personnel across the state and gathered intelligence to ensure a peaceful rally.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command had taken several measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the event.

“We have done our deployment and gathered intelligence to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order. All hands are on deck to ensure that the flag-off takes place without violence, God willing,” he said.

On the sealing of the ADC campaign office, Rufai said the deployment of security personnel was necessary to prevent a possible clash arising from a dispute over ownership of the premises.

He said both parties involved were laying claim to the property, adding that the police sealed the place to prevent confrontation between them.

Some supporters of the ADC, shortly after arriving Sokoto State yesterday ahead of the campaign flag-off

Atiku, DSS disagree over ‘plot’ to sponsor protests

The ADC presidential candidate alleged that there was a plot to trigger protests in Sokoto State to create an excuse for imposing a curfew and stopping the party’s campaign rally.

Atiku accused the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) of allegedly mobilising protesters to create disorder in the state ahead of his planned visit.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the former vice president said the alleged plan was aimed at providing the Sokoto State Government with a pretext to impose a curfew and prevent the ADC from holding its rally.

“More disturbing still, the information available to us is that the leadership of the Department of State Services is recruiting people to stage protests in Sokoto,” he said.

Atiku alleged that some of the protesters had assembled at an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, where trucks were stationed to transport them to strategic locations, including a roundabout.

He claimed that the protesters were causing traffic congestion, threatening commuters and beating some residents.

The ADC presidential candidate described the alleged activities as political interference, urging security personnel involved to stop and return to their constitutional responsibilities.

“This is not intelligence work. It is political interference dressed in official uniform. Security agencies exist to protect Nigerians and uphold the law, not to recruit protesters or help a political party manufacture a crisis,” he said.

Atiku also accused the Sokoto State Government of frustrating the ADC’s campaign preparations by denying the party access to public facilities and withholding logistical support.

He described the alleged actions as deliberate attempts to prevent the opposition party from enjoying a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former vice president further accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weakening opposition parties and narrowing the space for political competition.

He alleged that the government was pursuing a one-party agenda by drawing opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while frustrating other political parties.

Atiku stated that the alleged plot would not stop the ADC’s campaign, confirming that he would visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address supporters.

“The ADC will resist every gimmick, administrative roadblock and underhand manoeuvre designed to exclude the opposition or impose a one-party reality on Nigeria. We will not be intimidated into silence or irrelevance,” he said.

He urged residents of the state to remain calm and peaceful, warning them against allowing anyone to provoke them into actions that could trigger a security crisis.

He also called on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without favouritism and ensure that the campaign proceeds peacefully.

Atiku warned that security officers who colluded in suppressing political freedom would be held accountable under the law, while pledging support for those who remained faithful to the constitution.

But in a statement on Tuesday night, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the secret police, denied the allegations, narrating how the DSS had protected opposition figures in the ongoing campaign.

“The attention of the DG DSS has been drawn to an allegation by elder statesman and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, that the DSS is organizing protests in Sokoto State.

“For the records, DSS operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate; Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto. Two (2) DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested reinforcement from the DSS.

“Recall also that, on 2nd March 2026, the Service arrested Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State for threatening to attack Peter Obi, NDC presidential candidate. He was prosecuted by the Service in a Rivers Federal High Court and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

“Though these operations to protect all political parties is at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralize our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DG DSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman,” the statement read in part.

‘Intimidation of ADC in Sokoto worrisome, may spread to other states’

‘APC working to stop ADC, opposition from campaigning’

The ADC also accused the APC of taking desperate measures to stop the opposition parties, especially the ADC, from campaigning.

Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media and Publicity, ADC Presidential Campaign, insisted that the party would go ahead with the Sokoto campaign, adding that all efforts by the ruling party to stop them would fail.

Asked about the venue of the campaign, Ologbondiyan said, “The campaign will be held in Sokoto City. I can assure you of that. That’s all I can tell you for now.”

He insisted that the ruling party in the state would not stop them “whether they seal the office or not, the campaign will be held in Sokoto. That’s what I can tell you.”

He also went ahead to accuse the ruling party of desperation and hostility to the opposition, insisting that the development would not stop ADC from its campaign.

He alleged that APC is afraid of the coming election because it has failed to keep its promises to Nigerians, adding that ADC is already talking to the conscience of Nigerians.

Speaking about the situation in Sokoto, he said, “There is no doubt the fact that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is desperate, and in its desperation, it has become extremely hostile, not just to the ADC but to the other opposition political parties.

“So we are not surprised by the manner in which they have approached the ADC, particularly the rally in Sokoto State. What have they not done? And mind you, this is a state where INEC has already appointed the younger brother of the governor as REC.

“Yet they are not satisfied. Yet they are still afraid, yet they are still scared. So these guys believe that electoral victory should just be handed over to them without a contest. That was what was on their mind, but it’s not possible because the constitution is very clear. After every four years, an election is held, and this particular election, as I said earlier, is a referendum on the performance of Bola Tinubu.”

Gov’s aide announces rally for Tinubu

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor’s Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Khamaluddeen Abubakar, has announced plans for a motorcycle rally on Wednesday (today) to demonstrate support for the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, Abubakar wrote: “God willing, tomorrow (today), there will be a motorcycle rally to show support for the administrations of Asiwaju and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto. May God grant us success. Amen.”

However, Daily Trust could not independently verify the authenticity of the planned rally or whether it would take place as announced.

But on Tuesday, APC youths held a rally in Sokoto in support of the continuity of President Tinubu and Governor Aliyu.

The youths converged on the Racecourse, popularly known as Kangiwa Square, before marching to the Government House, where they were received by Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir, APC State Chairman Haruna Adiya and other party leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Gobir said the massive support enjoyed by the APC in the state reflected the people’s appreciation of the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Aliyu.

He said the state government had executed several projects aimed at improving living conditions and promoting socio-economic development.

The deputy governor assured the gathering that the administration would sustain the implementation of people-oriented projects to ensure that residents continued to benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Faruk Labbo, said the rally was organised by various youth organisations to appreciate the administration’s efforts towards youth development.

He cited the recruitment of thousands of youths into the state civil service, skills acquisition programmes and the provision of grants to beneficiaries to support their businesses and trades.

Labbo also highlighted development projects being executed by the Tinubu administration, saying they had contributed to national development.

‘Intimidation of ADC in Sokoto worrisome, may spread to other states’

A Kano-based political analyst, Dr Kabiru Sa’idu Sufi, has expressed concerns over alleged acts of intimidation against the ADC in Sokoto State, warning that such developments could spread to other states if left unchallenged.

Dr Sufi, who also lectures at the Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, described the situation as disturbing, saying there were growing concerns that opposition parties were being denied a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

“The issue is becoming very disturbing. It is becoming obvious that the opposition is being denied a fair chance to participate in the democratic process and that is somehow worrisome,” he said.

He stressed the need for stakeholders, including political actors and citizens, to speak against any action capable of undermining democratic participation.

“We all need to speak up and allow for fair participation in a genuine democratic process and oppose what is happening in Sokoto State,” he added.

Speaking on the alleged use of state apparatus to frustrate opposition activities, Sufi said the development could be driven by a desire to deny rival parties political visibility.

“I think largely it is because the ruling party in the state does not want to give any chance to the opposition to become visible. They may think that by doing this, they can suffocate the opposition and deny them any air to breathe so that they may not be part of any meaningful democratic process,” he said.

According to him, denying opposition parties the opportunity to freely conduct political activities weakens democratic competition and limits voters’ choices.

The political analyst further warned that if the alleged actions in Sokoto were not challenged through legal and democratic means, they could set a precedent for other states.

“I think if it is allowed to go on without being challenged, then probably other states may take a cue from that,” he said.

He urged opposition parties to pursue judicial remedies and other lawful channels, saying a successful legal challenge could discourage similar actions elsewhere.

“If genuine judicial and legal processes are followed to challenge it and people speak against it, then definitely other states may not be keen to follow the same path,” he said.

Sufi, however, cautioned that silence from stakeholders and failure to seek redress could embolden political actors in other parts of the country.

“If everybody becomes silent and the opposition does not do what is required legally, then it may embolden the ruling party to do whatever it wants in every state. They might decide to replicate what is happening in Sokoto State,” he said.

He maintained that broad condemnation of any anti-democratic conduct, coupled with judicial intervention, would help safeguard political freedoms and prevent similar occurrences across the country.

Group petitions British High Commission over alleged suppression of ADC

Meanwhile, a northern political pressure group, Arewa Transformational Leaders Forum, has petitioned the British High Commission in Abuja over alleged escalating political repression and violence in Sokoto State ahead of the ADC presidential campaign flag-off.

In a petition dated November 3, 2026, signed by one Muhammed Umar, the forum alleged that on Monday, November 2, 2026, barely 48 hours to the presidential campaign flag-off, the Sokoto State Government sealed the ADC campaign office designated as the venue for the event.

The group described the action as the use of governmental authority for partisan suppression.

“An elected government cannot legitimately close the political space through which others seek a democratic mandate,” it said.

The group further alleged that on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, women participating in a peaceful ADC solidarity procession were attacked and sustained serious injuries.

“On October 30, 2026, the convoy of the ADC governorship candidate, His Excellency Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, was allegedly attacked by Sokoto State Security Outfits,” it added.

The forum asked the British High Commission and other diplomatic missions to: “engage urgently with Sokoto State Government and federal authorities to secure peaceful political participation before, during and after November 4, with impartial security protection for participants, journalists, residents and property;

“Blacklist identified perpetrators and sponsors on the basis of credible evidence, through visa refusals or revocations, travel restrictions and other applicable sanctions under UK laws.”

It added, “Sokoto belongs to its people. No governor, former governor, or ruling party owns its political space.”

From Abubakar Auwal, Salim Ashir Mahuta, Sokoto; Baba Martins, Itodo Daniel Sule, Daniel Adaji, Abuja & Sani Ibrahim Paki, Kano