By Matthew Okon
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Sokoto State Governor against alleged attempts to frustrate its political activities in the state, declaring that he would be held personally responsible for any violence directed at opposition members.
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The party, in a statement issued on November 3, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the Sokoto State Government of interfering with its campaign preparations in what it described as a deliberate attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine democratic rights.
The ADC said the alleged obstruction of its campaign activities amounted to political sabotage and an assault on the constitutional rights of opposition parties to organise, mobilise supporters and participate freely in the democratic process.
“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 party stated.
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It called on the state government to immediately stop frustrating its lawful political activities and guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
The opposition party also urged security agencies and other public institutions to remain impartial, stressing that their allegiance should be to the Constitution and Nigerian people rather than the political interests of the ruling party.
Warning that public officials who abuse their authority would be held accountable under the law, the ADC insisted that no amount of intimidation would prevent it from campaigning in Sokoto State.
“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,” the statement added.
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The party further accused the ruling party of displaying intolerance towards opposition activities out of fear of facing the electorate in a free and fair contest.
It argued that political intimidation could neither manufacture public support nor deprive residents of Sokoto State of their right to assess competing political ideas and choose their leaders.
The ADC urged its members, supporters and residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pledging to defend its 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,” the statement concluded.
Attribute every allegation to ADC
Tighten repeated political warnings
Make the lead more legally precise