The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has kept the venue of its presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto State secret, citing security concerns amid growing tension between the party and the state government.
The party is scheduled to commence its presidential campaign on Wednesday, November 4, ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, it has declined to publicly disclose the location of the rally, alleging attempts by some individuals to disrupt the event.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Committee spokesman, Dahiru Maishanu, disclosed this in a telephone conversation, saying the party had secured a venue but was awaiting clearance from its national headquarters before making the location public.
“We have secured a place for the campaign rally, but due to one or two reasons, I may not be able to disclose that for now. If time permits and I get clearance from the national headquarters, you will be briefed,” Maishanu said.
He added that the party had contacted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) over reports of a possible disruption, noting that both security agencies had assured it of adequate protection.
Maishanu also disclosed that some party members had arrived in Sokoto despite alleged difficulties in securing accommodation for guests expected at the rally.
The development comes amid heightened political tension following the Sokoto State Government’s decision to seal an ADC campaign office over a dispute concerning ownership of the property.
The state government, through its Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho, maintained that the building belonged to the defunct Savannah Bank and that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) had been contacted to clarify its ownership.
However, the ADC has accused the government of using administrative measures to frustrate its political activities, allegations the state government has denied.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a formal request from the party for security coverage during the rally.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the Commissioner of Police had directed officers to provide adequate protection for the event.
“We are ready to provide maximum security for them tomorrow. They wrote to us from the first day they chose, and they even wrote to us when it was postponed,” Rufai said.
He described political campaigns as a constitutional right, adding that the police would not prevent any political party from exercising its democratic rights.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also maintained that preparations for the campaign flag-off had been concluded, expressing confidence that the event would proceed without disruption.
The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is expected to attend the rally alongside other national leaders as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
